Helen Kreager

Helen Kreager, 93, of Newton died Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2013, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton.

A time of remembrances for Helen will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Friends may call one hour prior to the services, with the family present. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated in Helen’s name to the First Presbyterian Church.

Helen Kreager, the daughter of James and Leona (Munger) Gardner, was born April 7, 1920, in Newton. A lifelong resident of the Newton area, she was a graduate of the Newton Senior High, Class of 1937.

On March 4, 1942, Helen was united in marriage with Merle Charles Kreager in Newton. She devoted her life to her family and friends, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Helen was employed by the Automatic Washer Company, the Colfax and Newton Livestock Sales and was secretary for the Newton Schools for seventeen years, retiring in 1983. She enjoyed raising roses, playing bingo, playing her electric organ, and her bird and squirrel collection. She and Merle had spent winter in Meza, Ariz., for 20 years.

Those left to honor Helen’s memory include her son Michael (Priscilla) Kreager of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; her daughter Willa (Steve) Tomlin of Newton; her three grandchildren, Laura Illingworth of Raleigh, N.C., Michelle Lewis of Ft. Wayne and Brad (Jo) Kreager, also of Ft. Wayne; a step-grandson Christopher Tomlin; four great-grandchildren, Kyle Lewis, Meghan Kreager, Logan Kreager and Broden Kreager; her brother Dale (Peggy) Gardner of Newton; and her many good friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 68 years, Merle on May 28, 2010; a sister, Dorothy Richards; and a brother, Jim Gardner.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.pencefh.com.