She spent her life dedicated to her family Helen Jean Rowe Breeding, 52, was born Aug. 2, 1955, in Kansas City, to Leonard and Freda (Hicks) Rowe. She passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Ava.
Helen spent most of her life in Ava. On Aug. 24, 1973, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Breeding in Seymour. This union was blessed with seven children. While raising seven children, Helen found the time to continue her education by obtaining an associate degree in college.
Helen spent her life dedicated to her family. She gave each and every member her unconditional love. Even while battling cancer for the past six years, Helen would gladly give others a word of encouragement and many times would call someone who was just diagnosed to encourage them during their battle.
She will be remembered by her family for being strong and tough during her courageous battle. Many people will remember Helen for the beautiful wedding cakes she decorated for them. Helen also will be remembered for the beautiful poetry that she was known to write as well as the painting that she created.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Granny Rowe, a sister, Donna (Rowe) Osburn, and a brother, Bobby Rowe. Also preceding Helen in death was a grandchild, Evan Breeding.
Helen is survived by her husband, Kenneth, of the home; seven children, Kenneth Jr., Keith and Melanie, Kevin and Amanda, Heather, Kristopher and Jennifer, Kelly, and Holly, all of Ava. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Alyssa, Kendall, Tyler, Gracie, Kody, Amber, Kristopher, Reece, Megan, Quin, Macee and Skyler; five brothers, Leonard Rowe, Jimmy Rowe, Russell Evans, Billy Rowe, and John Rowe; five sisters, Becky Stutts, Florence Stutts, Sue Downs, Katy Downs and Oopie Austin; her best friends, Brenda Hart and Pam Stanifer; and many other family and friends.
Visitation was held on Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Ava Family Funeral Home Chapel. Services were conducted in the Ava General Baptist Church on Friday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m., with the Revs. Oren Alcorn, David Dodson and Dr. John Haskins officiating. Interment was in the Ava Cemetery.
All arrangements were under the direction of Ava Family Funeral Home.
