Helen Theresa Ward

Helen Theresa Berkemeyer Ward, age 86, of Oppelo, passed away Friday, February 17, 2017. Helen was born August 16, 1930 in Saint Vincent, Arkansas, a daughter of Clemens Adolph Berkemeyer and Mary Elizabeth Wiedower Berkemeyer. She was a retired banker, working in Little Rock at Worthen Bank then in Morrilton at First State Bank and First National Bank, for a total of 45 years. She was a member of Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church and Altar Society, a volunteer at the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce, and a former volunteer at Sacred Heart Catholic School. She devoted all of her spare time and energy in giving to others, especially to her family. Of all her accomplishments, her most treasured was being Granny to six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Helen loved traveling near and far to attend their sporting events and dance recitals. As one of 14 children, she enjoyed gathering with her brothers, sisters, and in-laws to play dominoes and cards any time the opportunity arose. Two of her favorite pastimes were traveling all across the U.S. after retirement in the "Fun Mobile," chauffeured by George "Buddy" Riedmueller and accompanied by her sisters, and watching Wheel Of Fortune with Ronnie Stell. She is survived by her daughters Teresa (Ronnie) Stell of Birdtown and Regina Erwin of Morrilton; five sisters, Louise Sponer of Saint Vincent, Rita Rehm of Oppelo, Paula Patton of North Little Rock, Pat (Ed) Stout of Morrilton, and Marilyn (George) Riedmueller of Oppelo; one brother, Ray (Pat) Berkemeyer of Morrilton; sisters-in-law Sue Berkemeyer of Atkins, Bernice Berkemeyer of Lake Village, and Lucille Berkemeyer of Little Rock; six grandchildren Candace (Justin) Brantley of Springdale, Ashley (Jermey) Hutchins of Solgohachia, Matt Stell of Nashville, Tenn., Cody (Kaitlyn) Stell of Center Ridge, Courtney Stell of Conway, and Dylan Erwin of Russellville; and seven great-grandchildren, Dalton Kellar, Cayden Hutchins, Ava Owens, Ellie Brantley, Parker Stell, Corbin Stell, and Hudson Stell. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Ward; son, Ronnie Erwin; three sisters, Sis. Herman Joseph Berkemeyer, Marie Beck, and Sis. Anita Berkemeyer; and four brothers, Carl Berkemeyer, Bernard Berkemeyer, Herman Berkemeyer, and John Berkemeyer. Funeral Mass will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 20, at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church with co-celebrants Father Richard Davis and Father Jack Harris. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Rosary will be at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 19 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with visitation following. Pallbearers will be Dylan Erwin, Matt Stell, Jermey Hutchins, Justin Brantley, Dalton Kellar, and Cayden Hutchins. Memorials can be made to Sacred Heart Capitol Campaign. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net

Helen Theresa Ward

August 16, 1930 - February 17, 2017