Helen Esther Utley, 97, died Sunday, April 10, 2011, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, where she had resided for two-and-a-half years.
She was born Oct. 31, 1913, in Hawkeye, Iowa, to William and Minnie (Hudson) Little. She graduated from high school in Lime Springs, Iowa, and married Wilber C. Utley there on Oct. 31, 1935. She had lived in Northeast Iowa; Rock Island, Ill.; Fountain, Minn.; and for the last 12 years in Chatfield.
Helen had an amazing musical talent, playing both the piano and organ. She very much enjoyed entertaining, doing so well into her 80s.
She is survived by two sons, Ron (Marge) Utley of St. Charles and James Utley of Pompano Beach, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Barbara Hammel, Austin, Rick Utley, Oronoco, Star (Al) Polzin, Mabel, Alecia (Lowell) Volkman, Rushford, Mike (Cara) Utley, Zumbrota, Spencer (Abby) Utley, Verona, Wis., Caitlin Utley, Sherman Oaks, Calif., and Nick Utley, Inglewood Oaks, Calif.; 17 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; four brothers, Harry, Merland, Richard and Frank Little; one sister, Nellie Smith; two sons, Richard T. Utley and Lyle D. (Putz) Utley; and two grandchildren, Steven Utley and Sandi Utley.
ADVERTISEMENT
To honor Helen's wishes, there will be no funeral service.
