Helen Marie Echols

Helen Marie Echols, 94, a longtime resident of Fort Smith, joined our Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 5, 2015. Helen was born October 20, 1920, in Scranton, AR to the late Joseph Neuman and Helena Hahn Neuman. After high school she attended business school in Fort Smith and lived with her “second parents”, Aubrey and Dove Yates. Helen was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, a homemaker, member of the UCT Ladies Auxiliary, Christ the King Presentation Circle, Dervish Dance Club, and Lazy A Square Dance Club. Helen was an avid gardener and loved to travel. Helen is remembered as a devoted wife of 51 years, Mother and Grandmother.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Walter J. Echols, Sr., granddaughter, Laura Beth Echols, two sisters, Emma Wewers and Hilda Neumeier, three brothers, Louis Neuman, Tony Neuman and Fred Neuman.

She is survived by one brother, Joseph Neuman; one daughter, Rebecca Echols of Boise, Idaho; three sons, Walter Echols and wife Ellen, Pat Echols and wife Donna, and Stephen Echols; nine grandchildren, Leigh Horn, Sara Echols, Brian Smith, Tom Echols, Mark Echols, Aubrey Echols, Lisa Dowling, Jarrod Echols, Ethan Echols; and eight great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Edwards Funeral Home at 4:00 PM, Sunday, March, 8, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30AM, Monday, March 9 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Fort Smith with burial to follow at the U.S. National Cemetery alongside her husband. Pallbearers will be family members. Arrangements are under direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 1920 S. Greenwood Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903, or the Alzheimer’s Association of Fort Smith, 2408 S. 51st Ct, Ste F, Fort Smith, AR 72903.