Helenruth Joan Eyre

Helenruth Joan Becker was born July 27, 1918 in Davenport, Iowa to Herman and Helen Becker. She attended Immaculate Conception High School and Coe College, both in Cedar Rapids. She was only 23 when the United States entered WWII. During this time, Helenruth met Harlan Eyre. Originally from Jacksonville, Illinois, Harlan would soon become a lieutenant stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Harlan and Helenruth were married in February, 1942 at Fort Knox, Kentucky,

where Harlan was then stationed. The first child, a boy they called Lanny was born soon after the war. After WW II, jobs were tight for the returning soldiers. To add to the pressures, along came baby number two, Cynthia Jane. When the Army offered opportunities for former military to re-up, Harlan re-enlisted and accepted a duty assignment in Japan, leaving Helenruth to soon pack up and move in 1949 to a foreign country with two youngsters. From 1949-1952 the Eyres lived in Yokohama Japan. In 1952 the family transferred stateside to Ft Eustace, Virginia, a bit north of Newport News. Helenruth and son ended up at St. Vincent de Paul School in Newport News; Lanny in 2nd grade and Helenruth as a teacher for 1st graders and kindergarten. So began a career as an elementary school teacher which would turn out to motivate Helenruth throughout her life. In the late 50s, Patricia Ann was born. The next time the family moved, it was to Germany in 1959. The family returned to the United States in 1961 to Ft. Ord, California. Being on the Monterey Peninsula proved to be a highlight for the family. Helenruth once again joined a school system this time at Walter Colton Middle School, Pacific Grove, Ca as the school librarian and student counselor. By 1965, it was time for Harlan to retire from the Military. He had taken a position with the California State Highway Department in Fresno, California. A new Parish had recently opened in Fresno, St Anthony of Padua. Helenruth joined the faculty of the new elementary school, winding up in the 4th grade classroom. Her dedication to the parish children became a hallmark at St. Anthony's. She was known for her strict yet compassionate teaching style. Over time, the family conversations centered around Helenruth's future needs. Harlan had died in 1981. Helenruth remained living on her own until 2004 when Helenruth was offered a place at Nazareth House on First Street. Helenruth often could be found in the beautiful gardens, or the lovely/ lively dining room or even in many of the delightful parlors which are part of Nazareth House. The good nuns and priests administer to the soul and a caring staff provides for the needs of the residents. On October 29, 2017, our loving and compassionate God chose to call Helenruth J. Eyre home. Family was present at the time of her passing: she was not alone. At the time of her departure, she had three children, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren not to mention the love of so many who had the chance to know her She is survived by her son, Harlan "Lanny" Eyre; daughters, Cynthia J Schelcher and her son-in-law James Schelcher; Patricia Eyre Bergmann and son-in-law Thomas Bergmann; grandchildren, Erin N Schelcher, Grant D Schelcher, Michael R Schelcher, Michelle Bergmann-Vartan, Kristen L Bergmann; and great-granddaughters, Lorelai Schelcher, Genevieve Schelcher and Anna R. Vartan. Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in the name of Helenruth Eyre for St. Anthony School 5680 N Maroa, Fresno, Ca 93704.