Helen Evelyn Upton Toft, 90, formerly of New London, Iowa, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at her home.
Born March 17, 1924, in Birmingham, Iowa, she was a daughter of the late Rollen and Mamie Distlehorst Upton. Helen married Everett Toft May 28, 1950, at the United Methodist Church in Burlington. He preceded her in death Nov. 9, 2014. Helen was of the Christian faith and was a member of New London United Methodist Church and attended Bethlehem United Methodist Church while living in Manning with her daughter and son-in-law for the past four years.
After graduating from Burlington High School in 1941, Helen attended Burlington Community College. She worked at the Burlington Instrument Company and at Kleins in the Alteration Room. After marrying Everett, she moved to their farm in New London and farmed side by side with him for over 50 years until their retirement. She could always be found on a tractor, four wheeler or a zero turning radius lawn mower.
Together, they showed Palomino horses in the pairs class and were active in Rural Youth. Helen was a member of Oak Leaf Club and TTT, and was a member of 4-H as she grew up and then became a 4-H leader for the New London Lassies Club.
Helen loved to garden and would give away much of her harvest to family and friends. She also enjoyed cooking, canning, sewing, fishing, coon hunting, camping and weekly dancing at the Steamboat Senior
Center. Her most favorite activities were looking for Arrowheads and Morel Mushrooms. She also enjoyed giving hand made gifts to anyone she might meet.
She is survived by her daughter, Tami Hobson (Tony) of Manning; a sister, Lucy Cerny of Sugar Grove, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Velma Upton of Lomax, Ill.; a grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers, Frank and Wayne Upton; and a sister.
A memorial service Helen Evelyn Upton Toft will be held at a later date to be announced. Condolences my be sent to 1098 Winding
Pond Road, Manning, SC 29102.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated at Stephens Funeral Home in Manning. Elliott Chapel in New London is is charge of arrangements.
Courtesy announcement by Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
