Helen Ruth (York) Wagner

Helen Ruth (York) Wagner, daughter of the late Samuel Harrell and Julia Agnes (Davis) York, was born July 15, 1934 in Little Rock, Arkansas where she grew up and graduated from high school. She went on to further her education and obtained her degree in Psychology. Helen met a United States Air Force man by the name of Leland “Curley” William Wagner. They soon began dating and were married on July 21, 1955 in Little Rock. Curley and Helen shared over 39 years of marriage together and were blessed with four daughters: Michelle, Sherry, Melissa and Sabrina. In 1957, Helen, Curley and daughter Michelle moved to the Waynesville, Missouri area. She helped Curley with two different fast food restaurants for ten years and was also employed at Fort Leonard Wood as a finance clerk. She received many awards for serving the military. In her spare time, Helen liked putting out a garden every year and tending to her flower gardens. She was a very active person; she played softball, and enjoyed being outdoors while fishing, camping and hunting. Helen was very talented when it came to sewing. She made beautiful dresses for her girls while they were growing up. She loved to dress up and go out on the town. Helen had a classic style and always looked in fashion. After moving to Springfield, she liked to spend time in the swimming pool and was doing so up until last year. Helen also enjoyed going to different Shrine events with her husband. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially the grandchildren. As a young girl, Helen made a very important decision in her life and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a charter member of the Victory Fellowship Church of Waynesville. She was very involved at Victory Fellowship and taught Sunday School. Helen went home to be with her Lord at 7:35 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2013 in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, having attained the age of 78 years, 9 months and 29 days. Even though she is gone from our sight, her memory lives on in our hearts. Helen leaves to cherish her memory three daughters: Sherry Roy and Melissa Basford, both of Springfield, MO and Sabrina Rightnowar of Cape Girardeau, MO; three siblings: Bobby York of the state of Texas, Elizabeth Johnson of Perryville, AR and Norma Jean Hilliard of Beebe, AR; seven grandchildren: Heather, Stormie, Travis, Aaron, Astrid, Savanna and Haley; four great grandchildren: Kane, Chloe, Michelle and Maverick; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Curley Wagner; one daughter: Michelle Wagner Reller; and four brothers: Daniel, Norman, Kenneth and Archie York. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Frank Brunais officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Mansion Over the Hilltop”, and “See You When I See You” were played. Soloist Cassie Allen sang “He Whispers Sweet Peace to Me”. Serving as escorts were LaDon Terry, Mark Rightnowar, Joe Gross, Ron Long, Charles Frahm and Grant Warren. Serving as honorary escort was Travis Basford. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Helen Wagner and may be left at the funeral home.

Helen Ruth (York) Wagner

July 15, 1934 - May 14, 2013