Helen Louise Mchenry

Helen McHenry

Helen McHenry, 80, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO, on Monday, September 22, 2014. She had been in failing health for about six months.

Helen Louise Gillispie McHenry was born in Novelty, MO, on March 28, 1934, the daughter of Floyd Cecil “Jack” and Roma (Followwill) Gillispie who preceded her in death. She graduated from Unionville High School in 1952 and she married Amos McHenry in Unionville, MO, on September 4, 1954.

Following a year in Kansas City, MO, where Amos attended Barber School, Helen and Amos returned to Putnam County where they made their home for their entire married life. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Helen worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Berry Gas Company in Unionville. She then worked for the Commodity Food Distribution office and Neighborhood Service Center before she became the first administrator at the Senior Center, a position she held for 14 years, marking 25 years of service to the community’s social service needs. The Senior Center Nutrition Site and a meal delivery program for homebound residents were both started while Helen was administrator. Helen worked as a cook at the Putnam County Memorial for five years after “retirement” until health issues forced her to retire again.

Helen continued her service to the community through working at the Ministerial Alliance Bargain Barn, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Area Agency on Aging, the Friends of the Library and by attending and being active at the Unionville Assembly of God Church. Helen also liked to raise flowers in her garden, quilt, and was an excellent pie baker.

Helen is survived by her husband and by three daughters, Susan Robinson and fiancé Dan Blodgett of Kirksville, MO; Sharon Tormanen and husband Gary of Belton, MO; and Barbie Swiger and husband Eugene of Overland Park, KS. Her six grandchildren are Ethan Robinson, Colby Robinson, Scott Tormanen and wife Raylene, Kyle Tormanen, Cam Swiger, and Jessica Haefele and husband Brian. Helen’s two great granddaughters are Chloe Robinson and Mercer Haefele. Helen is also survived by two sisters, Carol Perkins and husband Jim of Unionville, MO, and Vera Schoonover and husband Jim of Excelsior Springs, MO.

Helen was preceded in death by two brothers, Floren Gillispie and Dallas Gillispie, and by a son-in-law, Chris Robinson.

Funeral services for Helen McHenry will be at the Unionville Assembly of God Church in Unionville, MO, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 27, 2014. Visitation will be at Playle & Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville on Friday, September 26, from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to the Unionville Assembly of God or the American Legion Post 34 Auxiliary and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.