Helen Phelps

Helen Ilene Fortner Willett Phelps, 78, answered the call of her Lord, Wednesday, June 15, 2005, in her rural Lisbon home. Ceremony of Remembering will start at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices, Mount Vernon Chapel. The viewing is 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at the chapel. Helen will be buried in Lisbon Cemetery. Helen is survived by her husband Harry, of Lisbon, six children: Joyce (Daryl) Jellison of Georgetown, Texas, James (Janet) Willett of Marion, Carolyn "Carol" Starr of Manchester, Linda (Doug) Berry of Cedar Rapids, Sherry (Doug) Shepard of Toledo, Iowa and Jack "Jake" (Linda) Willett of Anamosa, four brothers: George Fortner of Greenville, Tennessee, Jack Fortner of Hiawatha, Alva Fortner of Marion and Boyd Fortner of Cedar Rapids, a sister Roxie Barron of Marion, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding Helen in death were her parents; a sister Judy Fortner; two brothers: Thomas "Farlie" and Harlan Fortner; and a grandson Jared Willett. Helen was born October 25, 1926 at Greenville, Tennessee, the oldest child of Connel "Con" and Bonnie Williams Fortner. Helen married James Willett at Greenville in 1941. They moved to Iowa in 1952. James died in 1962. Helen married Harry Phelps, April 27, 1963 at Marion. The couple lived on their rural Lisbon farm for 42 years. Helen was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was an avid gardener, seamstress, and an excellent cook. Helen's greatest pleasures were having her family gathered at her home to share food, fun, and love. Helen will be greatly missed by family and friends. A memorial fund in Helen's honor has been established. On-line condolences: www.morganfuneralchoices.com