Helen Butler

Helen Race Fennimore Butler, 91, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born Friday, July 25, 1919 in Justus, Pennsylvania the daughter of Albert and Edith (White) Race. She departed this life Sunday, May 1, 2011 at the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Home in Belton.

On May 19, 1940, Helen was united in marriage to John M. Fennimore in Trenton, New Jersey. He preceded her in death on September 30, 1973.

On January 22, 1977 she was united in marriage to Joe Butler. He preceded her in death on June 3, 1979.

Helen graduated high school in Trenton, New Jersey. Later she went to work as an administrative assistant for the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey. She spent most of her life in the Trenton area, moving to Pleasant Hill in 1992.

Helen was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed cross stitching, quilting and collecting buttons. She was Past Worthy Matron and 50 year member of the Flemington, New Jersey and Pleasant Hill Ivy Leaf Chapter #215 Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Summit Woods Baptist Church.

Besides her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by two brothers Robert Race and Melvin Race; and one sister Pauline Wirth.

She is survived by one son John (and Ann Marie) Fennimore of Bavard, North Carolina; two daughters Cyndie Fennimore of Kingston, Tennessee, and Joan (and Dale) Parson of Pleasant Hill; six grandchildren David (and Molley) Fennimore of Mills River, North Carolina, Marlene Fennimore of Lake Poxaway, North Carolina, Zachary (and Ceaira) Burkett of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Crystal Parson of Pleasant Hill, Keith Parson of Spokane, Washington, and Kyle (and Jennifer) Parson of Milford, Massachusetts; five great grandchildren; other relatives; and many friends.

Cremation has been accorded.

A celebration of Helen's life was held on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the funeral home. Pastor Allen Bartlett officiated. Inurnment was in the Rosemont Cemetery in Rosemont, New Jersey.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home.