Helm, Evelyn Keatley

Evelyn Keatley Helm, aged 83, died peacefully on March 5, 2015 at her home in Rich Creek, Virginia after a 2 year battle with cancer. Evelyn was born June 21, 1931, in Neponset, West Virginia, the youngest daughter of the late John Rigor (Jake) Keatley and Idella Clowers Keatley.

Evelyn thoroughly enjoyed her family, cooking, flower gardening, and quilting. She learned to sew at an early age and was a member of the Monroe County Quilters Guild of Southern WV. She was a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star #118, and served in all 18 offices of the Order throughout her 66 year membership. Evelyn graduated from Forest Hill High School and attended West Virginia Business College. In 1952, Evelyn married the love of her life, Howard C. Helm. They moved to Vallejo, California and lived there during Howard’s military service in the U.S. Air Force. After Howard’s discharge from the Air Force, he and Evelyn moved to Rich Creek, Virginia to be near family.

Evelyn retired from the Giles County School System in 1992 with 25 years of service in the Title 1 Program. In addition to raising their two children she also held leadership roles with the Cub Scouts and the 4-H Club in the 1960’s. Evelyn was a member of First United Methodist Church, a tireless worker in the Lord’s Acre Program, a volunteer in the Rich Creek Public Library, and a member of the Town of Rich Creek Planning Commission.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Margaret Keatley Boggess and Marie Keatley Gregory. She is survived by her husband Howard; sons, Stuart Helm and wife Sheryl of Rich Creek, Virginia and David Helm and wife Connie of Riner, Virginia; grandchildren Paula Allen and husband Rodney of Lindside, West Virginia, Adam Helm and wife Rachel of Cape Carteret, North Carolina, Erin Stanley and husband Josh of Austin, Texas, Nathaniel Helm and wife Danielle of Athens, Georgia, Kaitlan Mosko and husband Tony of Lexington, Georgia; great-grandchildren Seth Burks, Jacob Helm, Josh Burks, Eli Allen, Hayden Mosko, Emma Allen, Enan Helm, and Aliza Helm; a number of nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Monday, March 9, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church of Rich Creek with Pastor Aubrey Whitlow officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunrise Memorial Gardens, Rich Creek, VA. Visitation will be 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home with an Eastern Star Service at 6:00 PM. Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the Helm family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com. Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown, WV.