Obituary of Helen Fathauer

Helen, 86, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2009. She was born in Bison, Oklahoma to Bessie and Ishmael "Happy" Stephenson on August 1, 1923, and grew up in Waukomis, Oklahoma with her older sister, Lenore Stephenson Meadows. Helen received a bachelor's degree in Music at Phillip's University in Enid, Oklahoma and a master's degree in Music from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She taught at Gulf Park College for Women in Mississippi and at Shawnee Mission High School in Kansas City before marrying George H. Fathauer on November 22, 1951 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Fathauer family moved to Mesa, Arizona from Decatur, Illinois in 1973. Music played a major role in Helen's life, as she was a talented pianist and vocalist, singing in and directing choirs, and playing piano and organ for secular and sacred services throughout her life. Even in the past few months of her life, she delighted the residents of Village Oaks Special Care Unit by playing "oldies" and hymns by ear. Helen was an avid collector of early Methodist hymnals. Her home was filled with antique bells and cut glass, and she gave talks on the history of bells. In recent years she enjoyed greeting customers at The Practice Pad music store, owned by her son John. Helen will be remembered for being a loving mother and wife, for her sense of humor and lightness of heart, and for her boundless energy. Helen was active in her community and was a member of PEO in Decatur, Illinois and in Mesa, Arizona Chapter Z. She served on several Mesa arts boards, including Mesa Fine Arts Association and Sonoran Desert Chorale, and as president of the Mesa Symphony. Helen was also active in Grace and First United Methodist churches in Mesa. She is survived by her husband, George H., children Gerry L Fathauer, George A. Susi Fathauer, John S. Fathauer, and Robert W. Fathauer Maria Peterson, grandchildren Wesley and Christopher Fathauer George and Susi; and Max and Rex Fathauer Robert and Maria. A visitation will be held Monday, October 5, at 10 AM, and funeral service at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church, 1 5 E. First Ave., Mesa. Donations in memoriam may be made to First United Methodist Church of Mesa or Hospice of Arizona, www.hospiceaz.com.