Helen Margaret Boozel

Helen was born on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1927, daughter of the late Luther Earl Harshbarger and Mabel Louise (Fagan) Harshbarger in Mattawana.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Leroy Boozel to whom she married in 1945, and they shared their life together for 59 years until Lester passed in 2005. Additionally, she is predeceased by brother, Paul Harshbarger; infant sister, Dorothy Harshbarger; brothers-in-law, Tommy Parson and Jake Harshbarger; sons-in law, Bob Ritter and Dick Fortney; and sister-in-law, Mary Harshbarger.

Together, they raised four children – Connie Ritter Fortney of Lewistown, Paula (Bob) Mohler of Huntingdon, Karen (Bub) Rogers of Imperial, Mo., and Joseph (Carol) Boozel of Three Springs – in their house in the country near Ryde, where she, Lester and their family had resided since 1953.

Helen is also survived by sisters, Emma Parson and Jean Harshbarger; brother, Kenny (Joyce) Harshbarger; and Barb Boozel. Helen attended the Newton Hamilton United Methodist Church (now the Newton Hamilton Bible Church) for 70 plus years. She was very active in the church, where she served on Parish Council, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Ladies Group, Funeral Meals, Fundraisers, and participated Bake Sales, where her sea foam candy was very popular.

Helen was a member of the Newton Wayne Historical Society since its inception in the 1990’s. She attended the monthly meetings and worked on the fundraisers – helping to make the macaroni salad (have you ever peeled eight dozen eggs at once or chopped two stalks of celery into small pieces?) Helen enjoyed crocheting, especially afghans. She crocheted each of her grandchildren an afghan for their 16th birthday. Great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren usually received a baby afghan when they were born.

Helen was a keen gardener; she and Lester planted large vegetable gardens. She canned the vegetables and fruits for the enjoyment of her family who begged for her strawberry jelly. Most Sunday afternoons and evenings her children and grandchildren would visit and enjoy a meal together. We all loved her canned corn and would fight for the last kernel. Helen loved flowers. She not only had beautiful ones planted outdoors but had numerous indoor plants.

Helen enjoyed traveling; visiting numerous states, Canada and England. She liked camping, reading, and word search puzzles. In more recent years she was always up for a card game of “May I” with family and she liked to win. We would not be surprised if she asked Jesus for a game if He had some spare time.

Helen loved her family, which was extensive as her four children and their spouses provided her with lots if grands, greats and great-greats for her to love and enjoy. Helen passed at her home where she was surrounded by her loved ones. We will all miss her forever.

If you wish to make a donation in her memory, it can be made to Newton Hamilton Bible Church, 176 Church Street, Newton Hamilton, PA 17075 or to the Newton Wayne Historical Society, 766 Water Street, Newton Hamilton, PA 17075 for the Schoolhouse Account.

At the convenience of the family, a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heath-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 61 E. Shirley Street, Mount Union, “Honored Provider of Veterans Funeral Care TM.”

Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com.