Helen Louise (McDonald) Berry lived a full 95 years, or as she would say, "I am almost done with my 96th year since they start counting at zero!" She went to be with God on Thursday, June 30, 2011, in Good Samaritan Hospital.

She was born on January 6, 1916, in Parkersburg, IL to R.W. "Mac" and Catherine Christine (Warmkie) McDonald.

She used to entertain the grandkids with stories of her birth. She told of how Sugar Creek was so high that when she was born the doctor had a hard time making it to the farm in his horse and buggy. This was incredibly fascinating to little kids that grew up on Little House on the Prairie.

Helen married Harold "Huck" Berry on Halloween Day in 1936.

They had four children, one of which, Wallace Brian, died just 10 days after birth. David (Linda) Berry, Myrna (Gordon) Keith and Margaret (David) McGiffen all survive.

She was a wonderful grandmother to Scott Berry, Mark Berry, and Ken (Jennifer) Berry, David McGiffen II, Christine McGiffen, Daniel Duke (Richelle) McGiffen, Gordon (Sandra) Keith J.R. and Katherine (David) Oberst.

Helen was also very proud of her great grandchildren: Garrison, Collin, Addison, Sydney, Aubree, David Layne, Gordon, Cody, Abby, Zachary and Eli. Also a brother, Neal (Delores) McDonald, of Evansville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Huck, son-in-law, David Allen McGiffen,her grandson, David Allen McGiffen II and brother, Kenneth Miles McDonald.

Helen's home in Washington, IN was party central during her kids' teen years while her husband was off on the B&O Railroad. The kids would fill the house for cards, music, and dancing.

Helen worked in Chicago and also in dress shops in Washington, IN. She was an amazing seamstress and her embroidery work is just beautiful.

After her husband, Huck's, retirement from the B&O Railroad they moved back to the family farm in Parkersburg, IL. Helen absolutely loved to go fishing at their pond. She enjoyed working in her huge garden, picking wildflowers with her grandkids, and making fabulous home cooked meals.

She was a proud member of Parkersburg Christian Church in Parkersburg, IL. Helen's goal was to make sure each of her grandchildren knew God. She had lived with her daughter, Margaret, for several years in Vincennes but she often thought of her Parkersburg church family and had visits from several of them.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) - Tuesday, July 5, 2011