Davis, Helen Louise

Helen Louise Davis, 79, of Center Point, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, in her home after a long courageous battle with cancer. Helen was a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, and for the last 26 years she lived in Center Point, where she was well known and loved by many. Services: 1 p.m. Monday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Center Point, by the Rev. Mike Ellson. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial: Czech In 1957, Helen was the first female owner/taxi cabdriver in Cedar Rapids. Helen also was the first female city bus driver in Cedar Rapids.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Alyce and Jerry Donda; and her husband, Niles G. Davis.

Helen had an amazing family of six children, starting with the oldest to the youngest, a son, Steve Barnes of Tacoma, Wash., a daughter, Gerrie Shover and husband Ed of Anamosa, a daughter, Rebecca Vause and husband John of Mesa, Ariz., a son, Joe Davis and wife Sandy of Cedar Rapids, a daughter, Shelli Fuller and husband Al of Toddville, and a son, Derek Davis of Center Point.

She also is survived by her 13 paternal grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Tom Haddy, Val and all her card playing family.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Luke's Hospice, 290 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Please sign the online guest book for Helen at under obituaries.