Helen C. Ahrens

Helen Coraline (Matson) Ahrens went to be with the Lord Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at the Colonial Belle Nursing Home in Belleville, at the age of 75.

Helen was born March 21, 1939, in McCook, Nebraska, to Coral Archie and Hazel (Wescamp) Matson. As a teenager, she cleaned house for Gov. and Mrs. George Norris, who was involved with crafting the New Deal for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In 1956, Helen married Albert Herman (Bud) Ahrens. To this union four children were born, Carol Sue (Susie) Jarvis, Tammy Joy (Ahrens, Bley) Witt, Buddy Lee Ahrens and Cindy Jo Ahrens. While raising children, Helen worked cleaning motel rooms and later as a tape wrapper for TRW, making capacitors. Helen attended the Berean Fundamental Church with her children, where she enjoyed singing. Helen was proud to earn her GED from McCook Schools while raising her children and working full-time.

Helen and Bud, Suzie and daughter, Melissa, moved to Eagle Lake, Texas, in 1980, where Helen cleaned homes for a living until her health caused her to retire. After 29 years of marriage, Helen was widowed. Eight years later, Helen formed a common-law union with Cruz Perez, who she has been with for the past 28 years.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Ahrens; her parents, Archie and Hazel Matson; brothers, Chester (Chet) Matson, James (Jessie) Matson, Raymond (Tiny) Matson; sisters, Ruth Moreau, Mary Price, Emma Logan, Grace Contreras and Lucile (Hull) Martinez and one great-grandchild, Sylvia Ahrens.

Helen is survived by brothers, Max Matson and Malven Matson, sister, Rose (Matson) Gonzales and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her four children from her marriage to Bud Ahrens, including Suzie, Tammy, Buddy and Cindy; 17 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Helen is also survived by Cruz Perez and his children, Elizabeth (Perez) Ledesma, Saul Perez, Efren Perez and Raquel Perez, 14 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and family still residing in Mexico.

Helen enjoyed her jobs, music, singing, dancing, gardening, canning, cooking, camping, fishing, family and friends.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Terry McCorkle officiating. Inurnment will be at 11:00 a.m. in Fort McPherson National Cemetery on Monday, July 20, 2015.