OBITUARY: Helen Viola Beal

Helen Viola Beal, 78 of Harrisburg, passed away at 5:10 a.m. Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Wabash Christian Retirement Village in Carmi.

Helen was born on July 15, 1935, in Galatia to the late Arleigh and Lorena (Rice) Phillips. On Dec. 31, 1955, she married Billy D. Beal and he preceded her in death June 17, 2011. Helen was a seamstress at Brides Boutique for many years and was Methodist by faith. She was instrumental in helping with the Sesquicentennial for Harrisburg and Saline County. Helen was one of the founding members of the Saline County Genealogical Society. She also entered craft items in the Saline County Agricultural Fair for many years. She won numerous Best of Show and First Place ribbons for her hand made crafts. She also participated in many local craft shows.

Surviving family members include her daughters: Nedra and husband Robert Jones of Harrisburg; and Lori Price of Harrisburg; grandchildren: Hunter Chance Price of Harrisburg and Caleb Jones of Galatia; and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Gladys Marie Smith and Edwarda Griffith.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. The Rev. Harrison Peyton will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.