Helen K. Loughmiller

Helen K. Loughmiller, 95, of Brazil, passed away at 11:38 a.m. Aug. 8, 2014, at St. Vincent Clay Hospital, with her family by her side. She was born Jan. 14, 1919, in Vigo County, Nevins Township, the daughter of Harry and Mabel West Kessel. She graduated from Fontanet High School. On May 2, 1942, Helen was united in marriage to John Loughmiller. Together they raised their sons on their farm on Rio Grande Road in Dick Johnson Township. She was also a hardworking farm wife, helping take care of the livestock and daily milking of the dairy cows. She was a part of the daily working of the farm well into her later years.

Mrs. Loughmiller was a lady with many interests, including attending concerts at the park and joining friends at the Senior Citizens’ Center to play cards; was originally a member of the Dick Johnson Homemakers Club and then later a member of the Modern Mrs. Home Ec Club and the Clay County Homemakers Club; and was a member of the Dick Johnson Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Helen served as president of the Clay County Historical Society and was a devoted member. She and her husband John were members of the People to People International group and had visited Russia in 1969 as part of this farm-based community. Helen was the recipient of the Daniel Harris Award in 1995 and the Community Focus Award in 1991.

Helen was longtime member of the Bee Ridge Christian Church and was active in years past serving as a Sunday school teacher and in many other capacities. She was a pilgrim on Walk #43 in the El Shaddai Emmaus Community.

Of course as a farm wife, she had a vegetable garden and tended to her roses and other flowers. She made quilts for all her children and grandchildren and made beautiful cross-stitch pieces. She also helped take care of the Beachkofsky triplets in her later years.

Survivors include her three sons and daughters-in-law, James Edward Loughmiller and wife Vicki of Danville; Donald L. Loughmiller and wife Mary Christine of Brazil; and John “Dale” Loughmiller and wife Jane, also of Brazil; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Szentes (David), Andrew Loughmiller (Lisa), Matthew Loughmiller (Amanda), Lauren Orme (Kevin), Scott Loughmiller (Kristen), Eric Loughmiller (Brandi) and David Loughmiller; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Forsha and husband Tom of Worthington, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Loughmiller, in December of 1980; and two sisters, Mary Wolverton and Rose Julian.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Lawson-Miller Chapel, with Revs. Dick McShanog and Tim Russell officiating. Music will be provided by Steve McCullough. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. If friends so desire donations may be made in her memory to the Clay County Historical Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Light a candle in her memory at:

www.lawson-millerchapel.com