Helen M. Beck, 85, of New Port Richey, Florida passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020, in New Port Richey

 She was born November 15, 1935, in Harville, Ohio the daughter of the late Louis and Mary (nee Patz) Wittensold.

After being delayed by Covid a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Community Congregational Church of Christ, New Port Richey. Rev. Victoria Snow will preside.

Helen came into this world an Ohio farmer’s daughter, hard-working and honest, a woman who loved the simple things in life.

She took a husband who later became estranged from her and their two young children, Cindy and Richard, and left them on their own. It was tough for a single mother trying to make it in those days. The church was one of the few places she could get help since they lacked the support services we have today, and she eventually found solace in the Community Congregational Church of Christ.

Seeking a better life for her family, Helen left the country life for the suburbs of Harville and earned a college degree. She taught elementary school to other children, but she taught her own from the school of hard knocks, old-fashioned values of how to be a lady or a gentleman. She prepared them for life. Cindy had a nursing career, where she made a living caring for others; now retired Richard enjoyed success as a contractor in concrete construction as he loved the out of doors.

She also made sure her kids got to go to attractions and have some fun growing up, swimming lessons, a circus, or a day at the zoo. Helen also loved to go square dancing, true to her country roots.

Sadly, true love and a long, happy marriage escaped her grasp. That makes it all the more fitting we should gather and celebrate our love for her. We thank God for this time to honor Helen May Beck.

Helen is survived by her two children, Richard L. Baum, Cynthia L. Starr; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Anna Snyder. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Marie Thompson, and three brothers, Joseph, Charles, and Louis Wittensoldner.