Helen Elizabeth Wappner

Helen Elizabeth Wappner, 101, of Mansfield, passed away with peace and dignity following a short illness on the morning of Saturday, December 10, 2016. Born October 5, 1915 in Washington Township, Coshocton County, Ohio, she was the daughter of Robert Leonard and Iva Gladeen (Marshall) Gilmore.

Helen received her Registered Nursing degree from Mansfield General Hospital School of Nursing in 1936. She worked for Mansfield General Hospital and the American Red Cross as a nurse for over 50 years and was on the Board of the Visiting Nurses. Helen was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader serving as a nurse at many Girl Scout camps. She was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mansfield Liederdranz, MGH School of Nursing Alumni and Bridge Singles. She was also a member of Jared Mansfield Chapter D.A.R. and Ruth Chapter #17, Order of the Eastern Star and was a Rainbow Girls Advisor.

Helen enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, playing bridge and traveling.

Helen is survived by a daughter, C. Diane (H. David) Kracker; grandson, Stephen M. (Erika) Risser; step grandchildren, Ann E. (Dr. James) Wadding and Dr. David J. (Allison) Kracker; great grandchildren, Lauren E. Risser and William M. "Liam" Risser; step great grandchildren, Matt and Julia Wadding and Peri, Patrick, Declan and Taggart Kracker; sisters, Phyllis McCullough and Roberta Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Wappner; daughter, Dr. Rebecca S. Wappner; sisters, Clara D. Rader and Martha Lou Dyches; and a brother, John R. Gilmore.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield conducted by Pastor Carl Cunfer. Friends may call prior to the service, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home on Wednesday where an Eastern Star service will be held at 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Rebecca Sue Wappner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Richland Foundation or the Dr. Rebecca Sue Wappner, MD Endowment Fund, Riley Children's Foundation, 30 S. Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.