Helen Arft

Helen Eyvonne Arft was born April 9, 1928 to Floyd and Zula Gardner in Jericho Springs area. She left this world to meet her heavenly Father June 14, 2016 in Republic, MO. Helen was preceded in death by her parents and brothers John, Dale, Don, and Aaron. Helen married Carl Arft on October 24, 1947. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last year and he survives. Also surviving are her two daughters: Carland (Jim) Dorris of Republic, MO and Susie (Mark) Keepper of Tulsa, OK. She also leaves two grandchildren: Carlen (Ron) Baptista and Jarub Baird both from Carthage, three great grandchildren, and two brothers: Rex Gardner of Redding, CA and Gene Gardner of Fairbanks, AK. Helen was active in the Milford Christian Church where she taught the 4 and 5-year-old Sunday School class for 40 years. She was a member of the Milford Sewing and Extension Clubs. She was active in local and state Republican groups and Eastern Star. While married to Carl she worked hand and hand with him making their farm operation successful, and canned and preserved from her abundant garden. She was known community wide for her cooking skills. Her homemade noodles, hot rolls, and cinnamon rolls will be missed by her family. Being born around the depression era, she grew fond of pearls, diamonds, pretty clothing, red lipstick, and romance novels. Most importantly, she taught her family to put God first, love one another, to do their best, and be courageous. She never complained, but accepted what she could not change, and found happiness through her trials. She will be always a heroine to her family. A Graveside service will be held Friday June 17 at 11:30 A.M. at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery on Highway 126, 3 miles south of Kenoma, in Barton County. There will be a visitation starting at 9:30 A.M. at the funeral home, with a procession to the cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to Missouri Crippled Children, Gideon's International, or Convoy of Hope (a disaster relief fund) at 1449 W. Skyline, Ozark, MO 65721.