The Lord welcomed Helen Brenton into His loving arms on January 21, 2012. Helen was born Nov. 1, 1916, in Tekamah, Neb., to Arthur and Elizabeth Marshall. The family moved to NKC, MO, in 1920. Helen graduated from NKCHS in 1934. Soon after graduation she met her future husband, Thurlan and they married in 1939. Helen and her family were founding members of the First Baptist Church of NKC and is also the longest surviving member. Helen and Thurlan were very active in the NKC Community. She served as Den Mother; volunteered for the Nearly New Thrift Store for 26 years; served on the NKC Police and Fire Personnel Board from 1991- 2004; was a founding member of the NKC Historical Society; a founding and oldest member of the Fern Harington Circle at First Baptist Church for over 75 years; and was the longest living and oldest resident of NKC, MO. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Dennis Brenton; one brother; and three sisters. Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Thurlan; one son, Ronnie Brenton of NKC, MO; two daughters, Marilyn Nichols of OP, KS, and Beverly Shryack of NKC, MO; a sister-in-law, Ardith Bruffett of NKC, MO; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and one great- great grandchild. Services are set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at First Baptist Church of North Kansas City. The visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, at the church. Burial will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Gladstone, Mo. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the NorthCare Hospice House; The Building Fund at the First Baptist Church of North Kansas City; and Fern Harrington Circle at First Baptist Church, NKC, MO. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnwhitechapel.com Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer's Sons White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 N. Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119 (816) 452-8419. D.W. Newcomer's Sons Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, Crematories.

Published in Kansas City Star on January 22, 2012