Helen McMains

BLOOMFIELD:  Helen McMains, 94 of Mason City, Iowa and former resident of Bloomfield, Iowa joined her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, on March 22, 2009 after 5 months of ill health.  Helen was a long time member of the Mark Baptist Church in Davis County, Iowa until 2003 when she and LaVern moved to Mason City to be closer to their daughter.

Helen was born May 11, 1914 to Lewis and Jeannette Kimball and was raised in several small towns in Southern Iowa.  She attended 7 different schools and graduated from Moulton High School in 1933.  Her father, Lewis, started BennerT Grocery Stores, requiring the family to move 9 times during Helen’s 12 years of school.

Helen accepted Christ at a young age and continued serving Christ all her life.  She played the piano for church for almost 70 years.  She married LaVern McMains, November 25, 1933 and to this union 3 children were born.  They farmed for 45 years in the Mark, Iowa area.  Their lives were centered around the church, family, and hard work.  They retired in 1978 and moved to Bloomfield, living at 406 N.W. Street for 25 years before their move to Mason City, Iowa.  They joined the First Baptist Church where their son-in-law, Ron, is the pastor.

Helen was faithful to read the Bible daily and attend church services.  She enjoyed music, crocheting, gardening, sewing, visiting, and telling grandchildren about her early life.  She and LaVern had 72 years and 9 months together.  Their children had hosted many celebrations in honoring anniversaries and birthdays with family gathering from all over the United States to be with them.

Survivors include three children, Charles (Judy) McMains of Mesa, Arizona, Karen (Ron) Stein of Mason City, Iowa, and Phil McMains of Biloxi, Mississippi, 9 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Annabelle Kimball, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother, Harold Kimball.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Mark Baptist Church.  Funeral Services will be held at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield, Iowa, Friday, March 27, 10am with Rev. Ronald Stein officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday, March 26, 6-8pm at the funeral home.