Benz, Helen Marie of New Haven, Missouri, died on March 8, 2015, after a long battle with leukemia. She was born in Treloar, Missouri on January 11, 1929, to Walter and Olga Buescher. She graduated from Washington High school in 1947 and married George Gehlert in 1948. Helen and George had three children, Steve, Beth and Vicki. They lived in St. Louis County until they returned to Washington in 1962. She returned to college after the children completed high school and earned a B.A. in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She taught at Washington Middle School from 1970 until her retirement in 1989. Helen married Paul Benz on June 2, 1984. They lived together on her farm in New Haven until she moved to St. Louis in April 2015 due to declining health. Helen was a devout Christian, always active in a local congregation wherever she lived, teaching Sunday school, participating in church events and assisting wherever needed. She also served on several denominational committees and was a strong supporter of the Emmaus Homes and the Festive of Sharing. She demonstrated her concern for others throughout the world by ongoing support of Doctors without Borders, Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army. Helen's gentle, humble, loving spirit enriched the lives of countless family members and friends who will remember her with gratitude. She is survived by her husband, Paul Benz; children, Stephen Gehlert (Donah), Beth Flor (Bill), and Vicki Hanson (John); step-children, Alan Benz (Sheila) and Mark Benz (Marcia); grandchildren, Nathan Gehlert (Melanie), Rachel Gehlert, Silas Flor (Cherilynn), Hannah Flor, Jessica Montero, Jennifer Ward (Josh); Ian Benz, Josh Benz, Cassie Benz and Miranda Benz; seven great- grandchildren (Brandon, Tory, Elena, Maria, Emmett and Ida). Services: A memorial service will be held on March 10, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ebeneezer Stone Church, New Haven, Missouri. Helen chose to donate her body to Washington University so there will not be a visitation or burial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of her preferred charities or Mercy Hospice Services.
Published in St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Mar. 10, 2015