Helen Ruth Hawks, 91, of rural Hiawatha, died shortly after arrival Sunday evening, March 15, 2020, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, MO.

Helen Ruth was born at Falls City, Nebraska, December 2, 1928, one of three children born to H.E. and Vertie Lehew Holder.  She attended schools in Missouri and Nebraska, later attended junior and senior years at Hiawatha, graduating with the class of 1947.  She was employed through the years at Bern Meat and Cheese Store in Hiawatha for 19 years, Morrill & Janes Bank, Hiawatha, and served as 4-H leader for 10 years.

Mrs. Hawks was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Hiawatha, where she served as treasurer for 20 years, and also taught Sunday school and VBS.  Helen Ruth was also a very dedicated volunteer with the Gray Ladies of Hiawatha Community Hospital.

On August 14, 1949, Helen Ruth married Dean Hawks at the First Baptist Church in Hiawatha.  They lived all of their 62 years of married life on farms west of town.  He died January 23, 2012.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister Pauline Parker, and a brother Vincil Holder.

Survivors include her three daughters:  Cynthia (Doug) Greer of Savannah, MO, Nancy (Dan) Russell of Fulton, MO, Sharon (Rolland) Fraser of Carl Junction, MO, five grandchildren; three great-granddaughters.

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, a private family service is to be held at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Jerry Boaz of Topeka, officiating.  Interment followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gray Lady Volunteers at the Hiawatha Community Hospital, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE FORTHCOMING THE WEEKS/MONTHS AHEAD AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED.

Friends may call after 10- 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home