Obituary of Helen Younger

Helen Martha Younger passed peacefully at home on June 15, 2023. She blessed her family with 100 amazing years. Helen is survived by her son John Jr. (Jack), three granddaughters, four great grandchildren and a large extended family. She was predeceased by her son, Pete, loving husband of 77 years, John, as well as her parents and siblings.

Helen was born on September 26, 1922 to Stephen and Julia Doka. She was the second-to-youngest of 10 children. She was raised in a Hungarian enclave known as "Himlerville" in Kentucky, followed by a move to New Camp, Kentucky. 

Helen was smart, strong-willed and sassy. As a young girl, she was known amongst the town for breaking her arm three times. 

After knowing each other their whole lives, Helen married the love of her life on November 17, 1945. About a year after they were married, she traveled alone from Williamson, West Virginia to Japan where she joined John who was stationed at Yokota Air Base. They welcomed their first child, John Jr. (Jack) on January 29, 1949 while stationed in Japan and their second son, Pete, on March 24, 1951.

Helen's life revolved around her love for her husband and sons. John's involvement in the military meant that they moved frequently. She enjoyed traveling and never thought she'd ever leave her small hometown, let alone live abroad. 

Helen showed her love through giving - she gave her husband to the armed forces (she likes to say that John contributed vastly to the creation of the missile program, but she also contributed to it by letting him go). She volunteered her time in the PTA and Cub Scouts with her boys. She gave her talents by creating ceramics and joining bowling and golfing leagues. She gave her love with her involvement in social work and volunteering at the hospital as a nurse's aid. She was notorious for collecting and sharing trinkets with her family, often including a special hand-written message with each.

She often reflected that being a mother was easily the most fulfilling part of her life.

When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she laughed and answered "as a short, little, old woman. A good mom. Kind and generous. Funny. Sassy."

We rejoice in knowing Helen is reunited with John where they can spend eternity together as they always wished and imagine the wonderful welcome home she received from her family and friends.

May she rest in peace.