Born in Des Moines, Helen was a lifelong Warren County resident. She graduated from Indianola High School, attended Simpson College, and was a graduate of the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing.

Helen and her husband, Harold farmed in Warren County and also owned and operated the Sears Catalog Order Store in Indianola. A retired nurse, Helen's nursing career had included several years as the RN at Simpson College. She was a member of Center Chapel United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her son, Max Runciman of Clive; daughters, Cheryl Shipman and Diann Runciman both of Indianola; sister, Ethel Smith of Indianola; 4 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold in 1994.

Visitation will be held 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 24 at Overton Funeral Home where the family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Indianola Public Library.