Helen Louise Esworthy Gourley

She was born March 1, 1924, in Charlestown, Ohio, a daughter of the late George E. and Fanny Mae (McGuire) Esworthy. Helen was a kind and generous lady who loved being a mother. She was known for her gentle spirit, elegant demeanor, and bright smile. Her sharp sense of humor helped welcome family, friends, and strangers to her home.

Helen grew up in Charlestown and graduated from Charlestown High School and later Bohecker’s Business College. During WWII, Helen worked at the Ravenna Arsenal as a chaufferette and secretary. She also worked as a secretary and bookkeeper at Polson Rubber, Windham Clinic, Windham Gas & Oil, and Industrial Furnace Corp.

She married the love of her life, Lester, on September 14, 1947, and spent the next 45 years together in Windham. Helen was an active member of the Windham Congregational United Church of Christ since 1957. She served many years on church council as deaconess and church treasurer. Helen was a member of the Dirt Daubers Garden Club and had a penchant for raising African violets.

Helen is survived by her daughters: Beth (Richard) Lenzi, Pegge (Joel) Petkovich, Lori (Steven) Babbey and son John Gourley. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Carrie (Ryan) Smith, Courtney Petkovich, Jason Lenzi and Lindsay (Aaron) Fortson, Joshua Babbey and Leanne Babbey; and her sister Anna Rae Straight of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years Lester Parks Gourley on May 16, 2009, and was also preceded by her parents and her brother Robert E. Esworthy.

Friends will be received Tuesday, March 29, 2011, from 5-7 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. Friends may also call an hour prior to the 11:00 AM funeral service on Wednesday at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 9029 N. Main St., Windham, OH 44288. Pastor Patrick Malone will officiate. Interment will follow at Windham Township Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. Memorial contributions may be made to her church.

(Wood-Kortright-Borkoski 330-296-6436)