Helen Jo Larson

Helen Jo Larson, age 67, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO.
The daughter of Dr. Joseph R. and Marian (Pickell) Hunt, Helen Jo was born July 16, 1943 in Kirksville, MO. On September 1, 1968 in Kirksville, MO she was united in marriage to Donald E. Larson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and several aunts and one cousin.
Helen Jo is survived by her daughter, Jo Ellen Axthelm and husband, Jamie of Clinton, North Carolina and two grandchildren, Alexa Grace and Ander Gust Axthelm.
Helen Jo was reared in Kirksville where she attended Kirksville High School, graduating with the Class of 1961. She graduated from the University of Kansas, with a BFA in 1965 and graduated from Indiana University with a MS degree in 1968. She also studied at Truman State University and Oklahoma State University. Helen Jo taught for 6 years at West Texas State University in Canyon, TX, Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and Illinois State University in Normal, IL. She also taught for 6 years in the public schools, Hale Schools, Hale, MO and Union Public Schools in Tulsa, OK. Her non-teaching experiences were sales and designer at Broadway Furniture in Tyler, TX, L&L Construction Co. in Kirksville and Bloomington, IL, office assistant at Pickell Abstract Co, in Kirksville, Carriage House Interior Designers in Kirksville, Home management assistant in Kirksville and was employed by Pyramid Home Health Care until her retirement.
Helen Jo was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kirksville, AAUW having served as vice-president, Christian Women’s Club, After Five Group, D.A.C., Chapter #184, Order of the Eastern Star and Sojourners Club. She was a former member of the Twin Pines Adult Care Center Board having served as vice-president, Welcome Wagon Club having served as president and she was a former Girl Scout leader.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 6, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Richard Northcutt officiating. Music will be provided by Julie Mikolajczak singing “Victory In Jesus” and “Because He Lives” accompanied by Nancy Pennington, organist.
A visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 p.m on Sunday, March 6, 2011, until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 p.m.
Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Avenue
Kirksville, MO 63501
660-665-2233
davisplaylehudsonrimer.com
The family has requested memorials to the Adair County Public Library and they can be left at or sent to the funeral home.