Leona May Helling

Leona May Rothenberger Helling was born in North Yuma County, Colorado, on September 18, 1929 to Grace Caparoon Rothenberger and Charles Peter Rothenberger. Known as “Sis” to her six brothers, her parents soon joined her siblings in their loving nickname. Leona forever remained “Sis” to her family.

In 1954 while working in Wray, Colorado, Leona met Carl Franz Helling, who operated a farm and ranch near Idalia. They married on August 5, 1954, and lived east of Idalia where they had three children; a daughter Carolyn, and two sons, Jerry and Geron. She and Carl were married for 43 years until his death in 1997.

A love of music filled her soul from the time she was a young child. When she heard a melody, the harmony ran through her mind like magic. Her solo singing debut was in church when she was five years old. Although Leona could read music, she usually chose to play the piano, guitar, or accordion by ear.

Similar to her love for music, Leona was also passionate about reading from early childhood. Reading came so naturally to Leona that after a few home lessons from her mother, she was placed in an advanced grade when she entered grammar school. Leona was an avid reader throughout her life and particularly enjoyed mysteries and spiritual books.

Known for her many talents, Leona was lauded for her cooking and cake decorating. She enjoyed creating elegant cakes for weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. This expertise led to teaching the art of cake decoration at the community college. Leona will long be remembered for the delicious meals she made for the students at Idalia School where, for 13 years, she presided over the kitchen.

During retirement, Leona embarked on an adventure that took her all over the United States. In an effort to document her family’s history, she became a wealth of knowledge on her genealogy, and rekindled many family relationships. Countless hours were spent documenting stories long forgotten, for future generations. With Ted Mosier as editor, she has written a book documenting the heritage of her children.

In 2005, Leona began a new life when she moved to the Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial, Colorado. It is here that she made many friends and continued her lifelong interests of writing and reading.

Quick, irreverent, and never afraid to poke fun of herself, Leona’s friends and family will always remember her for her sense of humor. Even when facing adversity, she could make people laugh with her witty one-liners. She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.

Leona is survived by her three children: son Jerry and wife Peggy Helling of Hickory, North Carolina; daughter Carolyn Helling Carnie and Grant Carnie of Greenwood Village, Colorado; and son Geron and wife Jill Helling of Apple Valley, Minnesota. Leona has six grandchildren: Dana Marie Porter of Denver, Colorado; Brooke Carnie of Denver, Colorado; Matthew Helling of New Orleans, Louisiana; Carter Helling of Tampa, Florida; Andrew Helling of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Madison Helling of Iowa City, Iowa.

The funeral service will be held at St John United Church of Christ in Idalia, Colorado on Tuesday November 10, 2015. Inurnment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at the Holly Creek Chapel on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John Church of Christ.