Helen Lenore Kear

Helen Lenore Hixson Kear

Helen, beloved mother and friend, passed away September 13, 2018. She was born in 1923 and had recently celebrated her 95th birthday with her family. She is preceded in death by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 73 years, Donald L. Kear, her parents Frederick and Ola Hixson, and siblings Herbert, Zelpha, Virginia, Betty, and Frederick (Fritz). Helen is survived by her children Donna Karanja, Christy Johnson, Carol Scriven, Laura (John) Kolaczkowski, and Kathy Lakes. Helen was Grandmaw to David, Patrick, Kevin, Helen (Ciru), James, Kristin, Jessica, Mack and Matthew, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.
She will be missed by her brother-in-law Bud Miller and sister-in-law Norma Hixson who were part of her family for so many years, along with numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
Helen was a proud graduate of Kiser High School and loved her Panthers. Her young adult years included a variety of jobs, including work at the noodle factory in Dayton and head cashier for all the Navy cafeterias at Patuxent River Naval Station.
Helen was a founding member of Community United Methodist Church, and was active for many years in the greater Dayton community through church activities, her sorority Delta Xi, and as a Girl Scout leader. Helen shared her talents and love for others by supporting church missions, school organizations, and so much more. Never one to say no when asked to help, it would be impossible to guess how many chocolate chip cookies, loaves of banana bread and crock pots of chili she shared over the years in fellowship and service to others.
Her daughters and family, while mourning the loss of Helen, want to acknowledge their good fortune and celebrate the long life she lived and her love and her devotion to her family and community. Helen had a lifelong passion for music, and she would sing at every opportunity whether it was in the church choir, at a movie theater, or in the quiet moments at home. Sing Along with Mitch and the Lawrence Welk Show were on her regular television viewing schedule, and she made sure all of her daughters had the opportunity for piano lessons, band and orchestra.
Services for Helen will be Monday, September 17 at Morris Sons Funeral Home, 1771 E. Dorothy Lane. Helen's family will receive visitors at 10:00, followed by services led by Pastor Frederick Merkes at 11:00. Interment will be at 12:30, Valley View Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Helen's name be made to Community United Methodist Church (Riverside, OH), Hospice of Dayton or the charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Morris Sons Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared with friends and family at www.morris-sons.com.

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