Helen Swim
Helen Swim
Helen Swim
June 29, 1922 – November 8, 2016
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 94
Helen Swim, 94, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at the Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Helen was born June 29, 1922, in Mahaska County the daughter of Elbert and Caroline Slay Hoit.
Helen grew up in the Truax neighborhood and attended country school. Early in her adult life she worked as a clerk at several retail stores in Oskaloosa.
On December 16, 1939, she was united in marriage to Robert E. Swim in Mahaska County. Robert died August 1, 1990.
As an adult Helen completed her G.E.D. and earned her cosmetology degree. Upon the completion of cosmetology school, Helen opened a beauty shop in her home. After many years, she closed the shop in her home and went to work at Taylor’s Beauty Shop in Oskaloosa, retiring from there in the late 1980’s.
She was an active member of Fellowship Bible Church. For many years Helen provided a safe place for many young adults. She enjoyed baking bread, doing embroidery work, and visiting with family and friends. Helen was a prayer warrior, she spent many hours praying for her family and friends.
Her family includes her six children and their spouses: Donald (& Marilyn) Swim of Oskaloosa, Glenys (& Edwin) Sarver of University Park, Darrell (& Phyllis) Swim of Oskaloosa, Dan (& Dorothy) Swim of Oskaloosa, Doug (& Kathy) Swim of Oskaloosa and Ginger (& Doug) Boender of New Sharon; twelve grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; a sister and her husband, Eunice and Ace Toll of University Park; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Robert Swim, Helen was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Leona Cooper Whitis.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 11, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Bible Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Rodney DeRonde officiating.
Private family burial will be prior to the funeral in the Bluff Creek Cemetery southwest of Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Thursday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Fellowship Bible Church or Hospice Serenity House.
