Helen Dudley

Helen L. Dudley, 96, of Rockwell City passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Sunday, June 30, 2024 (NOTE THE DATE) at Spirit of Hope Church (formerly United Methodist Church) in Rockwell City. A time of refreshments and visitation will be held in the church's fellowship hall immediately following the service. A private family burial will be held.

Helen was born April 1, 1928 on an Indian Reservation in Decatur, Nebraska. Her grandfather Case was the Minister and overseer for the reservation. Her birth parents Francis Case and Iva (Benner) Case divorced. Helen was adopted at age of 4 by Frank and Peggy Cronstrom of Omaha Nebraska. She went to school in Omaha and graduated from Benson High School in 1946. Helen married Corwin Dudley on December 1, 1946 after Corwin returned home from the Navy during World War II. Two children were born from this union, Gary and Connie. They made their first home on a farm in Livermore, IA. Moving to Calhoun County in 1954, where Corwin ran a bulk and can milk route. In 1959, Corwin and Helen started the Calhoun County Reminder from their home. Later moving the Reminder to the south side of the square and adding an office supply store. When the Reminder moved to it’s present location, across from the post office, Helen expanded the office supply store into “Helen’s Hallmark Store &

Office Supplies” and ran it for 17 years. In 1985, their son Gary took over the Reminder so Corwin and Helen could enjoy retirement. They traveled to McAllen, Texas to see Corwin’s parents and ended up wintering in Mesa, AZ at Silveridge RV Park for many

years making lots of wonderful friends. Corwin passed away December 1, 2014 on their 68th Wedding Anniversary. Helen moved into Sunnyview Independent Living Rockwell City in 2015 and really enjoyed playing cards, dominos, and visiting with her

Sunnyview family. Helen was a 4-H Leader in Humboldt and Calhoun Counties, Cub Scout Den Mother, member of the Rockwell City Chamber, member of the Lions and Lioness Club, belonged to the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Rockwell City, and was once chosen Business Woman of the year. She was a master at making Santa Cookies and decorating wedding cakes for friends or relatives. She could sew beautiful frilly dresses and costumes for anyone. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Rockwell City where she taught Sunday school. Helen was a teacher, helper and best friend to many over the years, and always looked for the positive over the negative. She will be remembered for her kindness and giving heart. She loved teddy bears, and hugs, visits from old and new friends and relatives. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. She will be missed deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband Corwin Dudley; parents Frank Cronstrom and Peggy Petersen; and sister Maxine Rickert.

Those Left to Cherish Her Memory Include: son Gary (Kathy) Dudley, Twin Lakes IA; daughter Connie (Lynn) Ramthun, Rockwell City IA; grandchildren and families: Aaron (Kenzie) Ramthun ~ Parker, Kaden, Levi, Leo -Manson IA; Abigail (Dwayne) Spitzke ~ Daxton, Carson - Phoenix AZ; Micah (Karrie) Ramthun ~ Nora, Lee - Mulvane, KS; Megan (Michael) Sullivan ~ Declan, Finley, Collins- Storm Lake, IA; Kole (Brianna) Dudley ~ Baker - Queen Creek, AZ; Cousins: LaRaine Bushman, Churdan, IA; Carmen Johnson, Wenatchee, WA; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.