Helen R. Brainerd

Helen R. Brainerd, 97, of Stillwater, O., passed away at her home on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 after a lengthy illness.

Born near Stillwater on August 15, 1912, she was the youngest child of the late John C. and Margaret L. (Iler) Russell. The last of her generation, she was preceded in death by four siblings: Anna Smith, Thomas Russell, William Russell and Lillian Sproul.

Helen was married to James Eugene Brainerd on December 2, 1945, enjoying over forty-six years of marriage with him until his passing on January 8, 1992. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker who had also helped her husband operate their family dairy farm for many years. Helen was gifted in many traditional skills of the farm wife, especially her needlecraft which included weaving, spinning, knitting and sewing. She also enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, watching the birds that frequented her feeders and traveling when she could get away.

Helen and James were blessed with three daughters: Ann L. Brainerd of Columbus, Rita J. Brainerd of Canal Fulton, and Loraine Durmann and her husband, Glenn, of Stillwater; and two grandchildren: Lesley Durmann of New York City and Russell Durmann who preceded her in death. Helen is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A resident of the area for her entire life, Helen was a graduate of Uhrichsville High School in the class of 1930 before completing a course of study at Canton Actual Business School. She was a lifelong member of Lima Presbyterian Church in Stillwater where she had served her congregation as the organist for many years, as well as holding a variety of church offices. Helen was a longtime member of the Farm Bureau, as well.

Services for Helen, officiated by Rev. Carolyn Behrendt, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home at Dennison. In keeping with her wishes, she will then be cremated before being interred beside her beloved husband at Lima Church Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Those wishing to honor Helen’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to the Twin City Hospital Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, Hospice of Tuscarawas County or the charity of their choice.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com