Helen was born on December 3, 1934 in Grant, Iowa to Leila English and Lloyd Bills. She was raised by her mother with siblings, Wayne, Dorothy, and Pete in Grant, Phoenix, AZ and Red Oak, Iowa. She graduated from Red Oak High school in 1952. Helen received her teaching degree from Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College. A passionate learner, she continued her studies over the years at Central Missouri State, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa.
Helen married Leo Gutschenritter in 1956 and they lived in Shenandoah, IA, where she taught elementary school for eight years. After his passing, Helen returned to school to advance her education.
She married Donald Hey in Cedar Rapids, IA on October 27, 1962. They moved to Iowa Falls and grew their family to include three sons, Paul, Mark and Gregory. Helen continued teaching preschool while in Iowa Falls. Her involvement in education included serving on the school board, including 9 years as school board president. She was very active in the community, organizing and coordinating the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) program, organizing school volunteer programs, and founding a local youth club. Together with Don, Helen volunteered countless hours over 20 years to Scouting, including conducting leadership training at local, district, council, regional, and national levels. Helen was honored to receive the highest award granted to women involved in Scouting. With selfless concern for others, Helen volunteered for various community boards and activities.
In 1990, Helen and Don moved to Muncie, IN where she taught preschool for ten years. In 2000 they retired to Ankeny. Always the teacher, Helen enjoyed learning and playing with her grandchildren in her “retirement,” along with cooking, reading, scrapbooking and attending baseball games.
She is survived by three children, Paul Hey of Ankeny, Mark (Beth) Hey of Ankeny, and Greg (Sheri) Hey of Naperville, IL; beloved grandchildren, Matt, Noah, Natalie and Grace; brother, Pete Soda and family; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Don, her mother Leila Howell, her siblings Wayne Bills and Dorothy Carrico, and her first husband Leo.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Tim Heggen Foundation.
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