Helen Hepworth

Helen June Messerly Hepworth

June 21, 1930 ~ January 29, 2015

Helen M. Hepworth has returned home to her Father in Heaven and loving husband after 56 years of being widowed surrounded by her loving family in her home on Wednesday, January 29, 2015. She was born on June 21, 1930 in Uintah Utah to John J. and Mary Louise Grunig Messerly. She was born Thirteenth of Fourteen children. Helen was active in many activities and very involved in school and it’s programs. She graduated from Ogden High School with top honors for her intellect and knowledge. She played tennis and basketball while attending. She was introduced by her youngest brother to a missionary acquaintance from Nevada, Darwin C. Hepworth. They dated long distance with many trips back and forth from Nevada to Utah.  They married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple and were truly soul mates. Immediately then separated by the Korean War for 18 months.  They had two sons, Jerry Hyde Hepworth and Roger Darr Hepworth.

While traveling to S.L.C for Rogers 3 month old check up they were involved in a car accident which took Darwin’s life. Helen barely survived. She then planned out her life working for some time at the Deaf and Blind School as a secretary. Helen then turned to College, graduating at Weber State, then onto the U of U graduating with a BS. She furthered her education at BYU, Utah State and getting her teaching Certificate. She then taught at Horace Mann Elementary for the next 35 years and treasured her students. She always continued her education throughout her life. She dedicated her life to educating her students and was thrilled watching them become accomplished in life. Helen had many blessed friendships, and toured throughout the U S (all 50 states) with her best friend Kay Douglas. She kept in touch with her school friends throughout her life.

She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. Helen was an active Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in a variety of positions. She loved her children with all her heart. Her family was her favorite hobby and pastime.  She was strong through many adversities but it was her love of family that always put the smile back on her face.

Surviving is her son, Roger (Debbie Genetti) and 5 grandchildren, Jennifer (Mathew Holbrook), Jeffrey (Lindsey), Steven (Jessica), John (Emily), and Michael; six beautiful great-grandchildren with one on the way, one sister, Donna (Douglas) Fernelius; and one sister-in-law, Myrna (Wayne) Messerly.  Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Darwin; son, Jerry; and 12 of her siblings.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Friends may visit with family on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Valley View Cemetery, Metropolis, Nevada.

The family would like to thank Laurie from Intermountain Hospice.