LAUREL — Memorial services for DeLores Helms, 91, Laurel, were July 13 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Laurel. Rev. Jerry Connealy was the celebrant, with burial in St. Frances Cemetery, Randolph. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church. Home for Funerals – Randolph was in charge of arrangements. DeLores died July 7, 2024, at her residence.

DeLores Helms was born May 18, 1933, in Randolph, to George and Eleanore (Lieting) Bierschenk, the oldest of nine kids. DeLores graduated from Randolph High School in May 1951. She completed “Normal Training” while in high school and taught country school children for two years following high school.

DeLores married Rodney Leapley Feb. 14, 1952. Rodney served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1952-53, and the couple resided in California during this time. Following his discharge, they moved back to Nebraska and settled on a farm east of Belden. The couple had three children. After a year-long battle with cancer, Rodney died Feb. 2, 1959. Following Rodney’s death, DeLores and her children moved to Belden where they lived until 1961.

DeLores married Donald “Donnie” Helms Jan. 4, 1961, in Belden. They moved their family to a farm north of Laurel for a year, then settled on a farm east of Belden, where they lived and worked for many years. The couple had three children. DeLores, Donnie and their family farmed the land, raised livestock, and ran a successful dairy operation until Donnie’s passing Aug. 30, 1981, following his battle with leukemia.

Throughout her life, DeLores was known to be a hard-working woman. Always a classy lady, sharp dresser, and fun to be around, she was someone you wanted as a partner in any game, but especially a friendly (or heated) game of pitch, canasta or euchre. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her many friends over the years. In more recent years, DeLores has resided in her own home in Laurel. She enjoyed seeing friends she’d known for many years and spending time with family. DeLores also enjoyed doing word puzzles, playing games on her iPad, and watching “her programs” on television.

DeLores was preceded in death by her brothers, Charlie, Robert “Bob,” Donald, Duane and Eugene “Gene;” husbands, Rodney Leapley and Donald “Donnie” Helms; her sons, Ricky Leapley, Randy Leapley and David Helms.

She is survived by her daughters, Karla (Leapley) Cunningham (Todd) and Kelly (Helms) White (Dennis); her son, Donald “Don” Helms (Julie); brothers, Merle (Anita) and Gary; and her sister, Elaine (Bierschenk) Wattier (Tom). She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren.