Helen Ruth Golightly Gebhart, age 95, was born May 4, 1927, to John and Irma Fern Golightly in Earlham, Iowa. Helen had two brothers (Wayne and Robert) and one sister (Barbara). The family moved to De Soto, Iowa where Helen grew up. She played basketball in high school. After graduating high school, Helen attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, where she met her husband, Delbert Gebhart. The couple married on June 15th, 1949, in De Soto, Iowa. A daughter (Janis Kay) was born September 4th, 1955. Helen completed her college degree at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, with a bachelor’s degree in education. Helen became a teacher at Phillips Traditional School in the Des Moines School District in 1965. She taught first grade after serving three years as a substitute and interim substitute teacher. Her principal quoted “Helen Gebhart is the most gentle of teachers. She shares that gentleness with her students, which inspires their love for her”. After 32 years of teaching, Helen retired. The couple eventually moved to Sun City, Arizona, to be closer to family. The couple traveled, played golf and Helen became an avid bridge player which she loved. Helen joined the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). She served as a Regent and held several offices. Helen was very involved with DAR. Helen loved spending time with family especially her two grandsons and was blessed to have three great grandchildren. Helen is survived by her daughter Janis (Paul), two grandsons: Nicholas (Chrissie), Bryant (Monica), three great grandchildren: Vincent, Jordin, and Eliana. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She will be missed.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Gebhart family.
