"I always enjoyed visiting with Edith and her sense of humor. So sorry we can't be there for her service due to certain health risks, but know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you all find strength in wonderful memories. Warren and Denise Ropp "
In loving memory of
Edith Helmuth
August 6, 1928 - May 14, 2020
KALONA - Edith Pauline (Ropp) Helmuth was born August 6, 1928, in Kalona, Iowa, the daughter of Lewis and Magdalena (Hershberger) Ropp. She attended Pleasant Hill rural school. On December 21, 1952, she was united in marriage to Paul Jay Helmuth. Edith served two years with her husband in 1W Service in Des Moines. The couple returned to Kalona and farmed until their retirement. Edith was a member of the Fairview Mennonite Church where she was very active in the women's sewing circle and taught Sunday School. Throughout her life she was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, canning, quilting and cooking. Edith had a heart for hospitality and giving to others. Her family was important to her. Edith died peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, with her family at her side on Thursday May 14, 2020. She was 91 years old.
Edith is survived by her 5 children: Wava (Lawrence) Gingerich of Plain City, Ohio, Arlis (Loretta) Helmuth of Kalona, Keith (Laurie) Helmuth of Sarasota, Florida, Bev Helmuth of Sarasota, Florida, Curtis (Cande) Helmuth of Kalona and Doyle Helmuth of Sarasota, Florida; 10 grandchildren: Wendell (Bethany) Gingerich, Richard Gingerich, Zachary Hyman, Darin (Emily) Helmuth, Justin (Drew) Helmuth, Brandon (Kayla) Helmuth, Lance (McKenzie) Helmuth, Cierra Helmuth, Niva Helmuth, Jaimee Helmuth, Molly Helmuth, Makayla Helmuth; 6 great grandchildren: Carston Gingerich, Elliana Gingerich, Luke Gingerich, Garrett Gingerich, Masynn Helmuth, Blakely Helmuth; 2 sisters: Verda Swartzendruber, Martha Bender; a brother: Vernon Ropp; and a brother-in-law Leslie Hostetler all of Kalona. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul on January 2, 2019, a son Marcus Helmuth; and 8 siblings: Esther Ropp, Lydia Gingerich, Ernest Ropp, Omer Ropp, Ella Mae Ropp, infant Mary Jane Ropp, her twin sister Ada Gingerich and Effie Baer.
A private family service will be held Saturday, May 23, 2020, at the Fairview Mennonite Church in rural Kalona. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery. A public Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday, May 22 , 2020, at the Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. Social distancing guidelines set forth by the state will be enforced at the visitation. A memorial fund has been established for Fairview Mennonite Church and Pleasantview Home Building Fund.
Tributes
"Thinking of you all at this time. Mixed feels I am sure~ She is so much better now in Heaven with other family and our Dear Savior..but still so hard on those left here on earth! Hold on to the precious memories and pass them on to others. Sending love and prayers for you all at this difficult time."
"So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother; she will be greatly missed. Your family has gone through considerable grief the past several years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Dan & Myra"
"Arlis and family...my deepest sympathy upon the loss of your mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "