Helen Barkdull Freese, age 94, resident of East Jefferson Ave., Shelby, died Friday, December 22, 2006 at her home. As graciously as she lived her 94 years, and with the love of her family at her side, and in her heart, Helen peacefully left her beloved home, family, and friends to receive her angel wings. Born November 19, 1912 in Shelby to E. Earl and Florence (Heyde) Barkdull she enjoyed a full and happy life. She loved to reminisce about her days in "early Shelby", growing up on the Boulevard, playing the ukelele and piano, entertaining on a local radio show, playing SHS basketball and cheerleading. A member of the SHS class of 1930, she was so pleased and proud to have been recently recognized as Shelby's oldest living cheerleader and for her "enthusiasm and remarkable spirit that never dimmed over the decades." She wrote many poems in her lifetime and amazed us all with her gift of flawlessly reciting poems, sonnets, psalms, songs and ditties, cheers and chants - many from her Campfire Girl days and the "Roaring 20's". Helen maintained her youthfulness by completing a daily crossword, answering Jeopardy, line dancing, playing bridge and golf, flower gardening, traveling, entertaining, and sharing each day with dear family and friends. She and her loving husband, Milan, married May 19, 1937. Her dedication as a wife, mother, and homemaker would not be easily surpassed. A beautifully talented seamstress, she designed and made her own clothes and especially enjoyed needlepoint. One could always find her and her home dressed for the season and holday. Distinguished by her humility, her loyalty in friendship, her wisdom and love of life, she was a remarkable woman. Helen treated each day as a pleasure, enjoying all she met as friends, never repeating anything negative and always finding the good in all. Her caring thoughts, lovely smile, and tender words of kindness made her special. A graduate of Bliss Business College in Columbus, she was a member of Sigma Alpha Gamma and Shelby's Alpha Pi Sigma sororities, Amy Allison Auxiliary, Campfire Girls, the First Presbyterian Church choir for 76 years, the JARDHELM bridge club for over 50 years, the Shelby Country Club since her youth, Mansfield Federation of Women, Senior Steppers line dancers, and WITS Organization. She was a Cub Scout, Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She leaves to cherish her memory one son, Warner W. (Carol Ann) Freese, of Covington, Indiana, one daughter, Barbara Jane (Roger) Phipps of Kokomo, Indiana, grandchildren; Jane Ann (Brian) Chapman and Susan Davis (Steve) Reynolds; Jay Milan (Heidi) Phipps; Jill Margaret (T. Stacey) Enustun, great-grandchildren, Jada Jane and Brock Warner Chapman, Erin Marie and Cora Jane Reynolds, Emage Delaney Enustun, Hayden Brianne and Maya Allison Phipps, and Addison Jane Phipps, due in March and her sister-in-law, Betty Barkdull of Shelby. In addition to her parents, she is awaited by her husband of 54 years, Milan W. Freese in 1991; one brother, Albert W. Barkdull and one sister, Margaret B. Kish. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006 from the Barkdull Funeral Home in Shelby. Reverend James L. Smith will officiate with interment in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 2-4 and 6-8PM. Memorial expressions may be made in Helen's memory to the First Presbyterian Church, the Shelby Senior Center Building Fund,or the charity of one's choice. In the arms of angels may you find comfort and love and peace, as a beautiful soul lasts forever.

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