Helen Keairnes

Helen Marjorie (Hendrix) Keairnes, 95, passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at the Groves in Independence, MO. A graveside service will be held Sat. Aug. 18th at Mound Grove Cemetery for the immediate family. A celebration of Helen’s life will be 3 p.m., Sun. Aug. 19, 2007 at Birchwood at the Groves. Memorial contributions may be made to the Groves or the South Crysler Restoration Branch. Helen was born on May 2, 1912 in McClelland, IA to Clarence and Alice (Rasmussen) Hendrix. She grew up in Council Bluffs, IA along with her sisters Ruth, Bea and brother Don. She outlived them all. In 1932 she married M.W. (Mike) Keairnes. Their married life began in Omaha, NB but it took them to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Minnesota before retirement in an Airstream trailer allowed the joy of summers in Colorado and winters in the Texas Rio Grand Valley. Birchwood became home when life quieted down and #307 was a joy to live in with good friends so close. Her Christian commitment in the RLDS Church and later the South Crysler Restoration Branch helped mold a firm religious belief and a righteous pattern for her family. While raising her three children, Helen worked at Bell Labs, and also as a bookkeeper for various businesses and doctors. A talented and admired seamstress, Helen also created beautiful crocheted Afghan treasures for three generations of her family. Her comfort and love is felt in every stitch. She sewed beautiful little animal creatures for hospitalized children in Independence. Known as the “Road Runner” for her disciplined, quick-paced daily walks, Helen believed in the benefits of physical activity and taught exercise classes for many years. She will be remembered for her positive, self-sufficient outlook on life. Helen is survived by her children, Don Keairnes and wife Jan, Barbara K. Laur Lewis, and John Keairnes and wife Jary. Grandchildren, Scott Keairnes, Anne Keairnes Wilson and husband John, Richard Keairnes and Lori Seeling, David Laur and wife Daria Penta, Karen Laur, Matthew Laur and wife Mary, Tara Keairnes Johnston, Piper Keairnes and wife Julie. Great grandchildren, Darren Buck, Teal Keairnes Gonzales and husband Joshua, Kayla Andolino, Shaelin and Ethan Keairnes, Jasper and Josephine Laur and one great great grandchild, Adam Gonzales.