Gloria D. Helling
January 29, 1959 - September 27, 2014
From: Ames, IA
Gloria D. Helling, age 55, of Ames, Iowa, died Saturday, September 27, 2014, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada, Iowa, with Pastor David Burling officiating. Burial will follow in the Ames Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m.
Born January 29, 1959, in Mason City, Iowa, Gloria Diane Helling was the youngest child born to Raymond LeRoy and Mildred Helena (Dietrich) Lee. She graduated from North Central High School in Manly, Iowa, then attended NIACC in Mason City, and was employed at Sedars Pontiac Cadillac in Mason City. She worked several summers as a counselor at Riverside Bible Camp in Story City.
On June 20, 1981, Gloria was united in marriage to Scott Helling at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly. She and Scott lived in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1981-1990, where Gloria worked at First Data Resources. They then moved to Marshalltown and Gloria worked as finance secretary for the Marshalltown Community School District. In 1998, they settled in Ames, where she served as executive secretary for Mary Greeley Medical Center, retiring in September, 2014.
Gloria and Scott were blessed with two children, Erik and Ashlee. Gloria was the strength and rock of her family, always putting others’ needs before her own. She delighted in traveling and making many happy memories on family vacations, was a great cook, a true and loyal friend, and enjoyed entertaining in her home. She had a soft spot in her heart for her pets, especially her toy poodles T.T. and Sadie, and her Bichon frise dogs Sunny, Sophie, and Summer.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Scott; two children, Erik (Kristin) Helling of Minnetrista, MN, and Ashlee (Tyler) Braland of Ames; a much-loved granddaughter, Brielle, and another eagerly anticipated grandchild due in April; two brothers, Marlyn (Faye) Lee and Carlton (Dianne) Lee, all of Mason City; a sister, Sharron (David) Petznick of Northwood; her mother-in-law, Marlene Helling of Story City; sisters-in-law, Merle Lee of Commerce City, CO, and Rosalind (Steve) Gordon of Austin, TX; many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members; as well as a host of close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Richard Lee in infancy, Larry Lee, and Jerry Lee; and her father-in-law, James Helling.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Gloria and her family.
Condolences
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 2:42 PM
“I was very saddened to hear of Gloria's death. I was involved in the establishment of the Israel Family Hospice House, and in the past years have talked to Gloria about it and other projects of the MGMC Foundation many times. She was always a pleasure to work with, and I will miss being able to call and hear her cheerful voice. It is a comfort to me that she passed away at the hospice house for which she did so much. She will be very much missed.
Jim Stephenson”
- Jim Stephenson
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 2:41 PM
“Ashlee, I knew your Mom and worked with her for many years at Mary Greeley Medical Center. Her and I often talked about our children, you and your brother and my son David. She loved you kids very much and was very proud to be a Grandma. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely Susan Trevillyan”
- Susan Trevillyan
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 2:41 PM
“It was my privilege to meet Gloria when I served on the Mary Greeley Medical Foundation Board. Her ready smile and vibrant personality brought joy to all who knew her. Our prayers and sympathy go out to you. ”
- Hannah Ann Anderson
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 3:32 PM
“I''m so sorry for your loss.Even though I didn't work personally with Gloria, I would meet her with a smiley face walking down a hallway or riding in elevator.Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cindy Jacobson”
- Cindy Jacobson
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 10:07 AM
“I had the pleasure of working with Gloria for many years at Mary Greeley and her deep devotion to her work and especially to her family was very evident. Her kind and generous ways made her successful not only at work but also as a wife, mother and grandmother. She would light up when she would talk about her family and the time they spent together. Although your time with her was much too short, cherish the many wonderful memories you have of her.”
- Vickie Newell
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 10:07 AM
“I had the great privilege of working with Gloria at MGMC. She was such a warm, caring woman with a heart of gold. My thoughts are with you at such a difficult time.....”
- Karen Braymen
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 10:06 AM
“My thoughts and prayers to the Helling family.”
- Darrell Robinson
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:14 PM
“Scott, Erik, and Ashlee:
This is not an easy situation for you guys or for all of us who deeply loved and respected Gloria. I came to know her during my time of service on the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation Board. She was always kind, professional, and approachable. We knew she loved her family, as she made sure we kept up on your lives. May you find peace and comfort in her wonderful memories. She is with Him now, and He is learning so much more about each of you from her. God's having fun, and Gloria is at the center of it all.
With much love and respect-
Jeff Johnson”
- Jeff Johnson
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:13 PM
“I will always remember the friendly way that Gloria treated me while I worked with her one day a week as a MGMC volunteer. She always had a smile and showed great patience when explaining what I should do. She went out of her way to follow up and see that I got the instructions right. At leat her suffering is over now. I hope all her family can soon get over this time of sadness and instead focus on the good, happy times in her life.”
- Roger Beckett
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:13 PM
“Scott, Erik, Ashlee,
Our very deepest sympathy for your loss. We were ever so fond of Gloria; and, had such a nice visit with her in May when our grandson was born. Very special lady!!
Our prayers have been with you and your family for a long time now, and will continue.
As ever,
Tom and Diana Hoogestraat”
- Diana Hoogestraat
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:13 PM
“I was so sad to hear Gloria lost her battle but am also filled with joy that she is no more at battle, she is at peace. I spoke with her one on one after the benefit that was held and we had such a good visit. We laughed and even cried together but had a wonderful afternoon together. She was a genuine person..a person that will be missed. I had the pleasure of knowing her and working with her at the hospital for several years and am glad that I did. Prayers for the family for strength and comfort. God Bless.”
- Janet Barton
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:12 PM
“To Scott, Erik, Ashlee, and Gloria's extended family,
I send deepest condolences for your loss of this courageous, vibrant woman who was your wife and mother. Over the course of many years, I had the pleasure of working with Gloria on several events for the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation, during which our conversations would often turn to our own families. Gloria spoke of each of you with such pride and joy. I am hopeful the light and merry memories of the happy times you shared with her will see you through these these darker hours. My thoughts are with you. . .
”
- Becky Voas
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:12 PM
“I worked with Gloria for many years at mgmc. It was a honor to work with her. She was a fantastic, fun loving classy lady. we wil miss her here at mgmc. My deepest sympathy to all of her family, remember the great times you had together. God's BLessings to you all. Prayers to you. ”
- Sandra Pflug
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:12 PM
“I am so very sorry to hear of Gloria's passing. I worked with Gloria at Mary Greeley Medical Center. We were in different departments, however, on the same floor. I saw her at work most days and enjoyed visiting with her. Gloria and I both had a fight with cancer at the same time. Mine was a different type than hers, but we would share a knowing smile and a friendly hug when we saw each other. We were both concerned with each others health. It makes my heart break that she was not able to beat this dreaded disease. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with her, her family, her friends and her co-workers. With my deepest sympathy.”
- Patty McLaughlin
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:11 PM
“My deepest sympathies to your family in the loss of Gloria. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
”
- Mindy Wendt
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:11 PM
“I was blessed to have known Gloria. She was a very special person and friend. She will be missed by many. Her smiling face and pleasant personality could make your day. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you go through this difficult journey. Phyllis (pc)”
- Phyllis Crouse
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 8:08 AM
“My heart breaks for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I was honored to work with Gloria at Mary Greeley. She was passionate about her work and cared deeply for others. I visited with Gloria in the hospital a few weeks ago and we talked for hours about her family and her love for all of you. She shared many stories with me but the best was how her granddaughter's name was selected! What a special wife, mom, grandmother you share. Peace to all of you.”
- Karen Kiel Rosser
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 8:08 AM
“Scott, Erik, Ashlee and family- So very sorry for the loss of your wife and mother, she will be missed. Gloria had such a great personality and was always one to bring a smile to someone's face. I think we are all very lucky to have known her. May God bless you and your family through this tough time, you are all in out thoughts and prayers. Justin and Ashley Huffman, Camden and Drake.”
- Justin Huffman
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