Helen Meyer

Helen Virginia Meyer, a faith-filled servant of her Maker, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center at the age of 89.

She was born July 26, 1931, in Friedheim, the third of five daughters born to Martin and Della Guemmer Schamburg.

In 1949, Helen graduated from Perryville High School in Perryville, Missouri. She then worked in Jefferson City as a secretary for state Sen. Leo Rozier.

Helen met Rupert Charles Meyer when he was an assistant manager at the Kroger store in Perryville. On July 21, 1956, they were married at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Perryville. Shortly after, they moved to Bonne Terre, Missouri.

In 1960, they moved to Cape Girardeau. Helen joined the congregation at Trinity Lutheran Church, where she remained an active member, especially in Ladies Aid, Bible study group and Prayer Shawl Ministry.

For many years, Helen served as an election judge in Cape Girardeau and was a Girl Scout troop leader for both of her daughters. She worked as a secretary at General Pest Control, then was a service warranty representative at Sears. After that, she worked as a medical transcriptionist for several area doctors.

Helen is survived by her children, Becki (Tom) Essner of Cape Girardeau, Lisa (Harry) Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina, and John (Suzanne) Meyer of Dallas; grandchildren, Josh (Jenny) Essner of Alexandria, Kentucky, Katie (Tommy) Garlock of Aiken, South Carolina, Mackenzie (Drew) Steck of St. Louis, Harry L. Smith III, Sam Smith, Ryan Smith, Lauren Smith and Luke Smith of Charlotte, Austin Meyer of Dallas, Elizabeth Meyer of Denver and Jack Meyer of Austin, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Charlie Essner and Grace Essner of Alexandria. She is also survived by a sister, Betty (Kelly) Brune of Friedheim.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Rupert Meyer; parents; and sisters, Laverne Fiehler, Dorothy Flentge and Janet Conrad.

A private burial service will be held, with a celebration of life memorial to be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 N. Frederick St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.