HELEN A. PETER

Mrs. Helen A. Peter, 98, a well known retired teacher, formerly of Payson, passed away at Blessing Hospital on May 18, 2005 at 3:30 a.m

Mrs. Peter was born on March 22, 1907 in Rural Payson, the daughter of Arthur H. and M.L. Elizabeth (Schnellbecker) Loos. She married Wendolin S. (Buck) Peter on June 24, 1939 in her parents' home. He died on October 25, 1988.

Helen attended the old Hibner School and Graduated from Seymour High School in Payson. After attending Macomb State Teachers College for a year, she began a 45-year teaching career. She ultimately earned a B.S. Degree from Quincy College in 1951.

She began teaching in 1926 at Washington School (Melrose Township) with horse and buggy and Model T transportation. She also taught at Hibner and Center Grade Schools before a 37-year tenure in Payson Grade Schools as a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher.Her activities involving children especially in plays and programs were memorable.

Helen was honored with life membership in Parent Teachers Association for her dedication to teaching and involvement with young people. She was even called upon to coach grade school baseball and basketball teams, which she did enthusiastically with the help of her husband, Wendolin.

Her club affiliations included: life member of National Education Association and Adams County Retired Teachers, Payson Garden Club (Charter Member) Adams County Home Extension, Eastern Star and 4-H Club Leader.

She was a lifelong member of Payson Congregational United Church of Christ where she served as Sunday School Superintendent of the Primary Department and as Financial Secretary. She and her husband enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing, gardening and crafts. She favored many with her hand-made original greeting cards. She also enjoyed social activities with close friends.

Helen came to Good Samaritan Home in October, 1988. She was a member of Axillary, Life Member of Good Samaritan and served on the Council. She participated in many volunteer activities.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters: Florence (Cuyler) Totsch and Hazel (Roy) Heitholt; a brother, Orville (Alta) Loos and a nephew Loren Rex Peter.

Survivors include a niece, Carol Peter of Payson and great nephew, Loren Rex (Sandy) Peter of Chicago, along with nieces Donna (John) Nelson and Judy (Gene) Neisen of Quincy; Betty (Gayle) Jenkins of Liberty, Cheryl (Marshall) Brown of Payson and Kathy (Tom) Neisen of Fowler. Five surviving nephews are Orville (Marsha) Loos, Jr.; and Richard (Fern) Heitholt of Quincy; Robert (Phyllis) Heitholt of Perry, GA. James (Sue) Loos of Big Clifty, KY.; and, William (Dorothy) Heitholt of Cuba, MO. She also left numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and scores of thankful students.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 at the Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home in Quincy by Rev. Rick Welch and Rev. Steve Disseler. Burial will be in Payson New Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 at the funeral home in Quincy.

Memorials may be given to Good Samaritan Home, Payson Cemetery, Payson Congregation United Church of Christ and Payson/Seymour Education Foundation.