Louriane Helgeson

Asheville Louriane Mae Estep Helgeson, 85, of 2200 New Leicester Highway, passed away Friday, May 20, 2011 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. A native of Ashland, KY, Mrs. Helgeson retired as a Division Manager with Sears and Roebuck Co. During World War II, she worked on airplanes as Rosie the Riveter in Dayton, OH. She was an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Manna Food Bank. Mrs. Helgeson was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Past Worthy Matron of The Order of the Eastern Star. She loved singing and dancing, was very sociable, and will be missed by many. Mrs. Helgeson was the daughter of the late James Mitchell and Myrtle Adkins Estep and the wife of Frederick Paul Helgeson, who passed away April 29, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her mother that raised her, Nancy Ann Estep, and two brothers. Surviving are her daughter, Dotty Lou Gea Skeens of Asheville; and her four beloved children through marriage of whom she loved dearly: Diane Byerly (Bob) of Morganton, NC, Debbi Helgeson (Mike Sapio) of Granada Hills, CA, Laura Helgeson of Los Angeles, CA, and the Rev. John Helgeson (Nancy) of Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren: Kelly, Rene, Joseph, Brian, Jessica, Lindsay, Noelle, Sarah and Rachel; three great-grandchildren; one great, great-grandson; sister, Linda Lou Rader (Eugene) of Proctorville, OH; and special nieces and nephew. Memorial services will be held 2:30 PM Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Lynn Webber and Rev. Tom Patterson officiating. The family will receive friends following the services. Memorial donations may be made to the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or to the organization of ones choice. Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the Helgeson family.