Helen M. Meanor

Columbiana-December 1, 2010-Helen M. Meanor, 97, formerly of East Palestine, died at 9:35 pm Wednesday at Parkside Health Care Center in Columbiana.

Mrs. Meanor was born September 28, 1913 in East Palestine, a daughter of John R. and Edith G. Wilson Wilhelm and had lived in this area all of her life.

Helen graduated from East Palestine High School in 1931 and then went on to pursue her education at Ohio Wesleyan University graduating in 1935. She belonged to the Alpha Sigma Sorority Chapter Alpha Delta Phi while in college. Helen was a third grade and special education teacher for the East Palestine Schools teaching for over 20 years in Unity and Negley retiring in 1978.

She was a life long member of Centenary United Methodist Church where she served on various committees, was past president of United Methodist Women and sang in the choir. She was a member of East Palestine #381 Order of Eastern Star, Ohio Retired Teachers Association, former Area Women Aware, the former Business and Professional Women's Club and AARP Senior Club in East Palestine. Helen also volunteered for FISH and Meals on Wheels. After retiring from teaching Helen loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Australia, Iran, Jerusalem, Greece, Switzerland and Hawaii.

Her husband, Richard Meanor, whom she married August 18, 1936 died November 15, 1973. She is survived by her three daughters, Patricia (Joseph) Elder of East Palestine, Suzanne (Jerry) Purdy of Sun City, CA and Linda (Robert) Rorabaugh of Wichita Falls, TX; a brother, Howard (Ellen) Wilhelm of Sebring; seven grandchildren, Lisa Elder, Jon Elder, Cindy Bussard, Terri Lattanzio, Pam Lattimore, Mitchell Rorabaugh and Robert Rorabaugh; thirteen great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Morris, a brother, John Wilhelm, two grandsons, Joseph Elder, Jr. and Ronald Cope and a great grandson, Michael Campbell.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine with Reverend David Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Glenview Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-7:30 pm Monday at the funeral home. East Palestine Chapter #381 Order of the Eastern Star will conduct services at 7:30 pm Monday.

Material tributes may be made in Helen's memory to Centenary United Methodist Church memorial fund, East Palestine Alumni Scholarship Fund or Social Concerns.