Helen M. Duncan

Helen Marie (Yost) Duncan, age 91, of Lancaster, passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 2, 2011, at the Lancaster Care Center in Lancaster. She was born on April 14, 1919, in Butler County, Iowa, the daughter of Chauncey Sr. and Anna (Christopherson) Yost.

Following graduation from Aerdale, Iowa High School in 1937, she attended Normal Teachers College and taught country school for one year. She moved to Wisconsin in the 1940s and worked at the Badger Ordinance Plant. After 35 years with Bell Telephone Company, she retired in 1983.

The most important day of Helens life was on September 6, 1937, at LaCrosse, WI Bible Conference. She had been burdened for a long time about her sins and that she would be left behind at the Lords coming. Mr. Samuel Hamilton was talking with her and reading scriptures. While reading John 6:8, He that believeth in me hath everlasting life, she understood that Christ died for her sins and got peace in her soul. She was saved.

On November 3, 1962, Helen married Darrel Duncan in Madison. Together they operated various floral shops; first in Madison and then for ten years in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1983, they retired to Cassville, and lived there until failing health took them to Lancaster in 2008. Helen resided at the Lancaster Care Center until her death.

Helen was a very kind, loving, generous person, always thinking of others. She and Darrel were given to hospitality and entertained many Christian friends. They gathered unto the Lords Name at the Beetown Gospel Hall.

Helen is survived by her husband, Darrel Duncan, Lancaster; five step-grandchildren: Chris, Yalanda, Amy, Brandie, and Shauntay; one sister, Pearl Conant, Tipton, IA; one brother, Chauncey (Sandra) Yost, Jr., Middleton.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Deborah Carter and her husband John in 2010, and two sisters, Wava Steiner and Carol Jean Johnson.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster with Allen Christopherson and Eric McCullough officiating. Burial was be in Beetown Cemetery, Beetown. Family and friends called on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and from 9:30 a .m. until time of services on Wednesday.