Arthur, Helen A.

Helen A. Arthur, 91, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully Friday, June 14, 2013, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics following a brief illness. A private family burial will be at Cambrian Cemetery near Cotter, Iowa at a later date.

Helen Adele McKinney was born July 3, 1921, in Wapello, Iowa, the daughter of Dow and Mable (Jamison) McKinney. She graduated from Wapello High School, attended Iowa State Teachers College and later received a B.A. from Iowa Wesleyan College.

She was briefly married to Lt. Vernon Shellabarger, who was killed in World War II. She married Leonard Arthur on June 12, 1952. Helen taught third grade in Crawfordsville for over 20 yrs. She and Leonard enjoyed several years wintering in Surprise, Ariz. She had many friends in the Crawfordsville area and at Melrose Meadows in Iowa City, where she resided for 10 years. Helen enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Her family includes her children, John (Regina) Arthur of Iowa City and Sue (Dave) Gardner of Central City; and grandchildren, James Arthur, Jill Arthur, Michael Arthur, Sara Gardner, Ellen Gardner and Ross Gardner.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; and sister, Jacqueline McConahay of Wapello.

Memorials may be made to the Helen Arthur Memorial Fund and will be directed to Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to her family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Published June 18, 2013 in The Gazette