Helena Gardner

Helena Gardner, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, lost her long-fought battle with cancer on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, with her daughter by her side.

Helena was born on Oct. 24, 1931, in Marion, Illinois, to Fred and Mildred Kelton. The Kelton family moved to Poplar Bluff and she attended elementary through high school there. Helena’s father, Fred, loved Tootsie Rolls, thus Helena’s nickname of ‘Tootsie’ stuck with her during her lifetime. She was a member of Highland Drive Church of Christ in Poplar Bluff.

Helena met and married her husband, Francis W. Gardner on May 14, 1948, while he was still in the Army Air Corps. On Aug. 6, 1951, they welcomed a daughter, Brenda Francene.

Francis, Helena and Brenda moved to Santa Monica, California, in 1955. They found jobs and raised Brenda in California. In early 1970, they moved back to Poplar Bluff and purchased her father and mother’s vending machine business, F & M Vending. They retired and sold the business in the 1980’s and eventually became ‘Snowbirds.’ Francis and Helena traveled extensively throughout the United States in an RV until Francis’ death in 1996.

Helena enjoyed learning anything new and fixing things. She worked on creating and fixing jewelry. She also did stained glass and created many beautiful pieces. Helena volunteered for RSVP and was in a garden club. Helena enjoyed Friday night dinners out and playing cards and dominos with friends.

There will be a brief graveside service at 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2020, at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery with Vernon Curry officiating.

Helena requested no flowers and in lieu of that, donations to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Cotrell Funeral Service is proud to serve the family of Helena Gardner. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.