Helen Jean (Karle) DeArment

She graduated from Altoona High School in 1949.

On Sept. 15, 1950, she married Robert E. DeArment at Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church in Altoona. He preceded her in death on May 4, 2014, following 63 years of marriage.

Surviving are her children: Linda (William) Kennedy, Susan DeArment, Bobbi (Thomas) Bollinger and Brenda Quirin, all of Altoona, and Debra (Barry) Geesey of Hollidaysburg, Donna (Bruce) Wicks of Bellwood and Polly Hester of Bangor, Pa.; and daughter-in-law, Lisa DeArment of Manchester, Pa.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy, in 1951; a son, James, in 2023; great-grandson, Evan Zona, in 2021; and siblings: Herman Karle, John Karle, Earl Karle and Irene Blanchard.

She has 14 grandchildren: Robert Kennedy, Amber (Shane) Reffner, Tommy Bollinger and Heather (Brian) Kinser, of Altoona, Jenn (Travis) Liegy of Cathedral City, Calif., Alexander Geesey of Denver, Colo., Ashley (Matt) Trexler of Sebring, Fla., Justin Clatterbaugh and Jessi Wriker (Nick) of Chambersburg, Nicole Cobler of Bangor, Pa., and Johnathan, Anna, Lydia and Lauren DeArment. Also surviving are 12 great-grandchildren: Elijanna Kennedy, Chason Liegy, Kaya Newell, River and Rowan Cherry, Mason Trexler, Kip, Renley and Mackie Reffner and Lucas, Landon and Levi Kinser.

When her children got older, Helen worked at Kmart Altoona in the Automotive Department from 1977-88.

She was a former Sunday school teacher and treasurer of the Women’s Guild at Salem UCC, Altoona. After retirement, she and her husband volunteered at Altoona Hospital Medical Record Department. She was a member of Faith UCC, Altoona.

Helen made many Barbie clothes for her daughters when they were young and enjoyed crafting and detailed cross-stitch projects. She looked forward to letters from her lifelong pen pal from 1946. In later years, she enjoyed Precious Moments collecting, working jigsaw puzzles, reading and traveling with her husband.

She and her husband were longtime independent residents of the Homewood at Martinsburg retirement community. A special thank you goes to all the caregivers and support staff who have supported us the last few years as Mom transitioned to their Memory Care center. Their kindness and compassionate care to Mom and our family was exceptional.

Friends and family will be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona, with Pastor Jerry McCuller officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Helen’s honor to Homewood at Martinsburg, Benevolent Fund, 437 Givler Drive, Martinsburg, PA 16662.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com.