Helen M. Hart, 83

Helen Marie Hart, 83, passed away on May 27, 2007. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 8 at 11 a.m. at the Connell United Methodist Church. Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville, Wash., is in charge of funeral arrangements. Helen was born on Nov. 24, 1923 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the only child of Eugene and Ruth (Lozier) Campbell. She received much love from her extended family and had many fond memories of her parents' wheat farm and apple orchard. She graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1941 and the University of Idaho in 1945 with a teaching degree in English and History. A teaching job brought her to Connell High School where she taught for several years before marrying a local, third-generation farmer, Frank Hart on June 10, 1948. Together, they farmed for many years at the family farm located northeast of Connell. In 1977, they moved to Connell and in 2001, they made another move to Kennewick. Helen was honored as the Connell Woman of the Year in 1984 for her many years of participation in community and church events. She led the Red Cross Blood Drive for 20 years, worked with the March of Dimes and elections board, and supported the development of a retirement center at Canyon Lakes. She led Brownies and Cub Scouts, taught Sunday school, and spearheaded many church Memorial dinners. She had been an active member of P.E.O. since 1945. She was a caring and loving lady who will be greatly missed by her family and wide circle of friends. Her grandchildren were so very special to her. Many new mothers in Connell can remember receiving a fabric diaper bag and fabric ball sewn by Helen. All of us, who knew her, will miss her friendly smile, kind words, squeeze of the hand, and her homemade bread and pies! It was a privilege to know her. Helen is survived by her husband Frank; daughter Mary (Bob) Hart-Furman of Tacoma, grandchildren Sarah and Katherine; son John (Carol) Hart of Connell, grandchildren Jennifer and Michael; brother-in-law Dick (Jackie) Hart of Kennewick; nephews Greg (Julie) Hart and David (Casey) Hart of Connell, Burt (Sharon) Tyler of Sunnyside; niece Beth (Dave) Osten of Chicago; and cousins from the Lozier and Baker families of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and Campbell family of Helena, Mont. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Connell United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 99, Connell, WA 99326; the Kennewick First United Methodist Church, 421 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336; or the Lower Valley Hospice, 3920 Outlook Rd., Sunnyside, WA 98944.