Helen was born in Flint, Michigan to Paul and Gladys Argo on September 9, 1929. Helen was the oldest of two children. She and her sister Vi, 12 and 10 at the time, were uprooted and moved from their beloved “brick farmhouse” to Austin for their mother’s health. Helen attended Austin High School and graduated in the Class of 1948. After graduation, she made her way back north to St. Paul, Minnesota. She attended St. Paul Bible Institute for two and a half years as a music student. It was there she met a young man named Earl. She knew from the first date she had met the love of her life. They were married on February 23,1952 at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Austin, Texas. Earl and Helen were very devoted in their church life and support of missionaries. They were part of the founding of Faith Alliance Church on East Braker Lane in North Austin. They were members for many years at First Evangelical Free Church, now Austin Oaks. They both have a continued love for the fellowship and friendships developed in the Sunday School classes they attended. Later in life, Helen attended First Baptist Church in Pflugerville, Texas where she loved to attend Sunday School and cherished her time with her new church family.
Helen had various jobs with the State of Texas. After having her second daughter, Earl wanted Helen to become a stay at home mom. Helen was quite the fastidious homemaker. Her house was always spotless and orderly. She was an excellent seamstress, making clothes for herself and Ruth Ann and Cindy. She was always the Lady in appearance and grace. Her son-in-law always joked with her, that she had a great pair of legs. She was also the household bookkeeper and prided herself in keeping accurate account of the household budget. She was known to be an avid bargain hunter and never missed a sale. Helen was truly a person who shared other’s burdens. She had a genuine love for others and hurt when they hurt and rejoiced in other’s happiness.
Earl and Helen raised their family in a loving household, staying in the same home for over 55 years. They were blessed to have wonderful neighbors throughout the years that looked after one another and cared deeply for each other. After their daughters were grown and out of the house, Helen loved being the loving caretaker and wife to Earl. They were married for 65 years before his passing in August of 2017.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Gladys Argo and her loving and devoted husband Earl.
She is survived by her daughters, Ruth Ann and husband Kirby (Cossey) and Cynthia and husband Larry (Luckie), both of Round Rock, Texas: her grandson Earl and wife Emily: two great grand-daughters. Sister Vira and husband Fred (Cromeans) : In-Laws: Beth and husband Dick (Fladmark), Sally and husband Orv (Schindler), John and wife Karen Leeder and sister-in law Mary Jo Leeder: numerous nieces and nephews.
