rking with flowers. Helen liked to play jokes on people that she worked with. She created many wedding flower arrangements for friends and family until she got arthritis in her hands. Helen would take in children from family and friends when they were having problems or the parents didn't want to take care of them anymore. She made sure that there was always room for one more. Helen spoke her mind. She didn't hold anything back. She enjoyed music, especially country music and anything by Elvis Presley. Helen retired early to be able to be home to take care of her husband, Art, when he fell into bad health. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Art McSparen; her siblings: infant twin brothers, Harvey and Levi Colwell; sister, Maude Bennett; brother, James Colwell; sister, Betty Caves; brother, Everett Colwell; brother, Donald Colwell; brother, Jackie Colwell; sister, Dorothy Gray; and sister, Patty Jewel; her parents, Jack and Fannie Colwell; and many other family members. Helen is survived by her children: Karen (Bill) Wilkins of Chariton, Iowa; Donna (Roger) Punteney of Knoxville, Iowa; Randy (Deena) McSparen of Russell, Iowa; Sandy (Shawn) McSparen of Chariton, Iowa; and Rick (Tammy) McSparen of Albia, Iowa; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; her brother Bill (Ann) Colwell of Knoxville, Iowa; many family and friends and her pet parrot, Trapper.