Mary Helmers

MARY (VANDER SCHAAF) HELMERS, 99, of Rock Valley, Iowa died Monday, 10/2, at Valley Manor Care Center in Rock Valley.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 10/4, at 10am at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center with Rev. Stephen Rhoda officiating. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery of Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Mary (Vander Schaaf) Helmers was born May 19, 1907 to Simon and Tille (Barom) Vander Schaaf west of Sioux Center, Iowa. She was raised on the family farm near Sioux Center and graduated from Sioux Center High School. She was united in marriage to Henry Helmers in Rock Valley, Iowa. Following their marriage, Mary and Henry lived in Rock Valley where Henry worked as a mechanic. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Viola.

Later, Mary and Henry made their home in West Liberty, Iowa where they owned and operated a jewelry store and watch repair business. After receiving her teaching certificate, Mary taught school in the West Liberty area for several years. She also furthered her own education in her later years by receiving a degree in education. Henry died in 1973.

After retiring Mary returned to Rock Valley. She enjoyed assisting her sister-in-law, Rosemary with rummage sales, at which they would provide treats for children. She lived independently for several years before she became a resident of Valley Manor Care Center.

Mary is survived by her granddaughter, Cheri Masse of Paradise, CA; two brothers: Sam Vander Schaaf of Rock Valley and John Vander Schaaf of Sioux Center; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Vander Schaaf of Sioux Falls, SD along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded by her husband, Henry Helmers; her daughter and son-in-law, Viola & Roland Masse; her grandson, Anthony Smyth; 3 sisters: Florence Fiekema-Manfred, Dora Brower, Sadie Zellinga and 6 brothers: Art Vander Schaaf, William Vander Schaaf, Henry Vander Schaaf, Martin Vander Schaaf, Burt Vander Schaaf and Jerry Vander Schaaf.