Helen Maclay

Helen Belle Dirks, daughter of Roy W. and Rose (Pohlman) Dirks, was born at Auburn, Nebraska on October 3, 1912. She received her education at the Auburn Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1929. Helen attended Peru State College and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

On December 27, 1934 Helen was united in marriage to F. Don Maclay at the Presbyterian Church in Auburn. Two daughters, Sharon and Donna, were born to this marriage.

Helen became a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Auburn as a young girl, and remained a member for 82 years. She was a 68-year member of the PEO Sisterhood, having served in all offices of the Auburn Chapter DB. Helen was also a member of the Presbyterian Women?s Association, Nemaha County Hospital Auxiliary, and Friends of the Library in Auburn.

In March of 2005 Helen became a resident of the Nemaha County Good Samaritan Center in Auburn. While living there, she enjoyed the activities and camaraderie she experienced. It was there she passed away on Monday, January 7, 2008 at the age of 95 years, 3 months, and 4 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don in 1971, and her sister Marjorie Brown.

Those left to mourn her passing include her daughters Sharon Maclay of Urbandale, IA; Donna and husband Ron Bleich of Olathe, KS; granddaughter Kristin and husband Jim Eaton; grandson Jason Bleich; great-grandchildren Ashlee and Zach Eaton; nephews Bary and Kevin Brown; other relatives and many friends.

Private family graveside services and committal are planned at Sheridan Cemetery of Auburn, with Rev. Tom Osborne officiating. No visitation is planned.