Helen Stuckey Barrett

Helen Stuckey Barrett was born September 3, 1905, to George Edgar and Marjorie (Campbell) Stuckey in Broken Bow, Nebraska. For the first 10 years of her life she lived on a ranch with her parents and two younger brothers, attending nearby Burr Oak School in Custer County. In 1915, the family moved to Lexington, where her mother died shortly after the move. Her father ultimately remarried and three more brothers were born into the family. Helen attended Lexington Public School until 1921, at which time she enrolled in Lindenwood College Academy near St. Louis, MO, graduating from there in 1923, and beginning classes at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska, where she remained until she graduated in 1927. That same year she married Lexington native, Harold O. Barrett, also a graduate of Hastings College, and they shared the next 47 years together until his death in 1974. Helen’s adult life was dedicated to being a wife and mother, coupled with her unending service to others. She was an active participant in the Presbyterian Church, where she served as Deacon, a ruling Elder, and a leader in the Women’s Association. She was a member of the Lexington Mother’s Club, a 74-year member of P.E.O. She was a co-founder of Lexington Goodwill Association, and is remembered for many years of service heading up that organization. She was active in the local Hospice through the Community Hospital, and she served for years as 4-H Club leader for children growing up in less fortunate circumstances. During WWII, she served as an aide at the Community Hospital and in a doctor’s office, and until the war ended, remained a frequent volunteer at the North Platte Canteen, recruiting other women to come and serve with her. Helen found time to garden, and always enjoyed the opportunity to share her flowers with friends. She was well into her 80’s when she organized a “walking club” for women who wanted to get outdoors and walk for their health. Survivors include her son, William E. Barrett of Lexington, and daughter, Marjorie Barrett Hewitt of Lincoln, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, John C. Stuckey, Dean Stuckey, Robert Stuckey, James Stuckey, David Stuckey and an infant sister. The Family has honored Helen’s wishes that her body be cremated. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 21, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Caroline Vickery officiating. A Private Family Inurnment will be held prior to the Memorial Service. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, Hastings College, Lexington Community Foundation Or the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences or guestbook signatures may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.