Helen Ann Penland

Helen Ann Penland

Helen Ann Penland, 75, of Oskaloosa died Saturday, May 26, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born Wednesday, March 10, 1937 in rural Barnes City, Iowa the daughter of Albert and Margaret Kirkpatrick Grife. She graduated from Barnes City High School with the class of 1955. On June 3, 1956 Helen was united in marriage to Larry Penland in the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. Following her marriage she stayed home to raise and care for her family. She later worked in administration for the Oskaloosa School District for many years until retiring in the 90’s. She greatly loved her grandchildren. Helen also enjoyed cooking, family gatherings and camping. She was a member of the First Christian Church and Esther’s Circle, and served as a volunteer at the ecumenical cupboard at the Mahaska County Hospital.

Helen is survived by her husband of over 55 years: Larry Penland of Oskaloosa; two sons: Dennis Penland of Urbandale, Iowa and Greg (& Peg) Penland of South Bend, Indiana; 5 grandchildren: Kate, Maggie, Sam, Anna and Abby Penland; a sister: Norma (& Jim) Martin of LaPine, Oregon; and 3 brothers: Joe (& Virginia) Grife of Barnes City, Jack (& Kathy) Grife of Montezuma and Larry Grife of Oregon.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister: Lily Schultz.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:30 A.M. in the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa with the Reverends Michael Omundson and Andrea Brownlee officiating. Burial will be in the Barnes City Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be held on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at 11:30 A.M. in the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund.