Helen Chappell

HELEN MAE CLARA (BREHMER) PHIPPS CHAPPELL Helen Mae Clara (Brehmer) Phipps Chappell, age 83, passed away at her home in Temple City, California on Wednesday, August 16, 2006. Helen was formerly of Atlantic, IA. Helen Mae was born to Albert and Martha (Grulke) Brehmer on August 24, 1922, the youngest of seven girls, on a farm west of Atlantic, IA in Pottawattamie County, IA. She was baptized in the Peace Evangelical Church. Helen Mae attended country school in Lincoln Township where she was taught by one of her sisters and then graduated from Atlantic High School in 1939. She worked as a waitress until she was hired by the telephone company as a switchboard operator. In 1942 she transferred with the telephone company and moved with her sister, Esther, to Los Angeles, CA. She later moved to Owens Valley, CA to take flying lessons intending to join the WAC"s (Women"s Air Corp) and she received her private pilots license. She moved back to the Los Angeles area working as an airport secretary. Helen Mae married Harry D. Phipps in 1948 and resided in El Monte, CA. They owned four government issue flying schools along with a plywood shop. Their son, Gregory David, was born on May 2, 1952. Harry passed away suddenly in March of 1953. She continued to work as a secretary in the Los Angeles area until she accepted a position with the Alhambra Police Department. After taking college courses, she became one of the first policewomen in the department, serving in the Juvenile Division. There Helen Mae met and married Edmond Chappell. They had a daughter, Lisa Marie, who was born September 1, 1963. Helen Mae also worked for the Alhambra Unified School District, McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company, Southern California Edison and Alhambra True Light Presbyterian Church. She volunteered in the Cub Scouts, the International Order of Job"s Daughter, sang in the Edison Company Choir and actively participated in the Edison Company volunteer program. She was elected to be a Deacon in her church, sang in the choir, was an usher and volunteered on a regular basis in the church office. She was a member of the Order of Easter Star, the Executive Secretaries Association and the Retired Police Officers Association. Her favorite hobbies included horseback riding, traveling, bicycling, ballroom and country western dancing. She loved children, music and gardens. She had a huge heart and a wonderful sense of humor. She was a blessing to all who knew her and will be missed by all.Helen Mae is survived by her daughter, Lisa Marie Chappell of Olympia, WA; her son, Greg Phipps (Debi) of Monrovia, CA; a stepdaughter, Marilyn Phipps O"Leary (Clarence) of John Day, OR; two sisters, Ethel Oathoudt of Atlantic, IA and Viola Nicolle of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Jeremy Phipps, Jennifer Phipps, step-granddaughter, Jolene O"Leary along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.Funeral InformationIn Memory ofHelen Mae Clara (Brehmer) Phipps-ChappellBorn August 24, 1922Pottawattamie County, IowaENTERED INTO RESTWednesday, August 16, 2006Temple City, CaliforniaAt the age of83 years, 11 months, 22 daysFUNERAL SERVICEWednesday, August 23, 200611:00 A.M.United Church of Christ in AtlanticOFFICIATINGReverend Dr. Mary HansenUnited Church of Christ in AtlanticMUSICAL SELECTIONSIt Is Well With My SoulHow Great Thou ArtMUSICIANHeidi RolandBEARERS Dennis Oathoudt Terry Oathoudt John Oathoudt Jason Oathoudt Joel Schlueter Chris Petersen Cary PetersenFLOWER COMMITTEE Jeannie McMullen Debbie Metheny Carol Sue HogueisonINTERMENTAtlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, IowaLUNCHEONHelen Mae's family has extended an invitation for friends to join them for a luncheon in the fellowship hall at theUnited Church of Christ in Atlantic following services.