Helen Mary Wadle Hunter passed away on May 12, 2026 in Indianola, Iowa at the age of 89. She was born on February 19, 1937, at her family’s homestead outside Lacona, to Andrew and Marie (Schurman) Wadle. She spent her life rooted in hard work, family and had a spirit of quiet adventure.

Helen grew up helping her family with daily chores, both inside and out, and had fond memories of their “friendly” animals on the farm. She often reminisced about her mother’s fresh bread baking—a love that stayed with her throughout her life, as nothing quite matched warm bread fresh from the oven. She also cherished rides into town with her father for trading days.

She attended country school and graduated from Lacona High School with the Class of 1955. During her school years, Helen excelled in school and played the tenor saxophone and served as manager for the basketball team. She often joked that her lifelong love of coffee from a young age was the reason she remained petite.

In September of 1955, Helen married James Ray Hunter, and together they were blessed with three children. They made their early home in Milo before settling in Indianola, where Helen would spend most of her life.

Helen was known for her strong work ethic. Over the years she worked at Farm Bureau, assisted her husband in operating their fuel oil and gas station business, and was employed by the City of Indianola and the National Balloon Classic. She later worked in Surgical Services at the Veterans Medical Center, where she remained for many years until her retirement in 2006.

She was an active member of the Fireman’s Wives Auxiliary and the Red Hat Renegades which she joined in 2003. Among her proudest accomplishments was returning to school later in life to take computer and accounting classes through Simpson College.

Helen enjoyed many interests and pastimes. She developed a love of golf later in life and proudly achieved two holes-in-one much to her surprise. She had a deep appreciation for music and dancing especially polka. She delighted in challenging herself with Sudoku puzzles, answering along with Jeopardy, playing a good round of Rummikub, or Old Maid with her grandkids. Her memory will also live on in the famous recipes she made.

Though she was proud to call Warren County home for all 89 years of her life, Helen also had a passion for travel. Whether traveling with family or travel friends, she embraced every adventure. Her travels took her across the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, as well as Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Europe—including England, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. She also visited Panama, China, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Aruba, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Curacao.

Helen had a well-known love of shoes, with a closet full to prove it. She liked to say that God gave her short, wide feet to limit her purchasing options—but it didn’t always work.

Above all, Helen was a proud “Grams” who found great joy in keeping up with her grandchildren’s lives, activities and accomplishments.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Marie Wadle; her brothers, Delbert and Norman Wadle; and her special aunts, Evelyn Schurman Riche and Martha Wadle Mincks.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Terry (wife Jo) Hunter, daughter, Denise (husband John) Parkins and six beloved grandchildren.

Memorials in memory of Helen may be given to Milo American Legion or Meals on Wheels.

Helen’s Celebration of Life will be held at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial of cremains will follow services in the Belmont Cemetery in Milo.