LASH, Helen Margaret

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Saturday, July 13, 2002 Helen R. Lash, died July 9, 2002 in Cottonwood, Arizona. Helen was born Helen Margaret Runciman on 11 August 1918 in Indianola, Iowa, to Joe and Ethel (Whitcomb) Runciman. Helen loved working with her father in the fields and was an accomplished horse rider. On August 11, 1936 she received her Iowa State teaching certificate and taught grades one through eight in a one-room country school. In 1939 Helen married Calvin E. Lash who was farming near Carlisle, Iowa. Helen and Gene had three sons, Calvin, Richard and John. The family moved to Sunnyslope, Arizona in 1950. Three daughters, Carol, and twins Jo Ann and Mary Jane were born to Helen and Gene in Phoenix, Arizona. Helen was a homemaker and for a period of time worked at Boswell Hospital. Gene retired from Salt River Project in 1979 and he and Helen moved to Munds Park, Arizona. Helen was extremely dedicated to her faith in God and she and Gene helped establish a Church in Munds Park. In 1989 Helen and Gene moved to Cottonwood where they were active until their deaths. Helen continued her religious activities and was known for the decorative quilts she made for family members, friends and strangers. Helen passed away one year and 5 days after Gene who died on July 4th 2001. Survivors are her children, eight grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and sister Dorothy Smart. Funeral Services are scheduled for 9:30 AM, Monday, July 15th, 2002 at the Verde Valley Christian Church at 3605 Zalesky Road. The church is located approximately a quarter mile East of the Verde River on the south side of Highway 89A to Sedona from Cottonwood. Flowers and donations can be made to the church.