Helen M. Stiles

Helen M. Stiles, 89, of Charles City, died Friday evening, April 24, 2009, at the Iowa Odd Fellows & Orphans Home in Mason City.

Funeral services for Helen Stiles will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. Pastor Jim Stiles of the First United Methodist Church in Mason City will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday. Visitation will continue an hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.

Helen Mary Erickson Stiles was born February 20, 1920, at Algona, the daughter of Peter and Johanna (Massdam) Erickson. In 1938, she graduated from the Algona High School. On October 5, 1941, she was united in marriage to Charles Stiles in Charles City. Helen taught country school for two years near Algona and later was employed at Montgomery Ward Catalog Office in Charles City. From 1954 to 1970, Helen and Charles owned and operated Stiles Grocery on the corner of 9th and E St. in Charles City. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Church Circle, L St. Coffee Club and Sewing Circle. Her interests included being an avid Comettes Softball fan, cross stitching, PLAYING CARDS, and making quilts to share with others.

Living family members include her children, Jim (Jeanette) Stiles of Mason City, Jane (Harvey) Johnson of Mason City, John (Roberta) Stiles of Lewiston, Minn. and Jean (Randy) Christensen of Mason City; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a sister, Johanna Baker of St. Louis, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles on July 21, 2005; three sisters; and three brothers.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 601 Milwaukee Charles City, IA 50616.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.