Helen Utter

Helen Utter went to meet the Lord Wednesday evening, September 24, 2008 at her home surrounded by her family, following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Church of Christ, with Pastor Ray Artrip officiating. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday and after 9:00 a.m. Monday at the church. Helen Louise Hope, daughter of Boyd and Iona Hooyer Hope, was born April 13, 1921 at Lancaster, Missouri. She moved from Lancaster to Gravity, IA in 1938, where she met Donald Utter. They graduated from Gravity High School together in 1939. On August 4, 1940, she married Donald T. Utter at the Christian Church in Gravity, Iowa. Donald served in the U.S. Army from April 1943 to November 1945, where she followed him as much as possible. Following his discharge,they lived in Bedford, IA until moving to Webster City in 1951 where Helen enjoyed being a homemaker. Helen is survived by Don, her husband of 68 years; sons and daughters-in-law, Gail and Donna Utter of Novato, CA; Dennis and Betty Utter of Chariton; 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchilden, David and DeDe Utter of Littleton, CO; Debra and Kevin Buckler of Novato, CA, their children, Katie, Alysa and Kelly; Lisa and Russ Crabb of Des Moines, their children, Tyler and Bryce; Carol and Chris Bouma of Ellington, MO, their children, Reece and Briley. Helen was a member of the Church of Christ, which she loved and was active in church circles, children's nursery and other activies. She served as a volunteer at the Hamilton Hospital Gift Shop and was also a member of the Purity Rebekah Lodge # 72 of Webster City. She enjoyed sightseeing trips, camping, hand work and especially spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Russell Evans; brother, Boyd Hope and sister, Alta Overlay. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made in Helen's name, to the Webster City Church of Christ. Helen's beautiful smile will be missed by all that knew her.