Helen McPherson

Helen Shirley Anderson was born July 21, 1921 in Minneapolis, MN to parents Herbert and Emma (Gustafson) Anderson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. Helen graduated from Becker High School in 1939. On January 10, 1942 she was married to Morley McPherson in Las Vegas, Nevada. They lived in Alhambra, CA before moving to Elk River and then to Ortonville. Helen spent most of the next 20 years doing what she loved - that being a devoted housewife and mother. She gradually entered the work force in the 1960's and she and Morley bought JoLee's Jewelry in 1972. She worked in the store until she was in her 80's, always determined to run an honest business that would be an asset to her community. They had two daughters, Nancy "Lee" and Kathy "Jo". Helen and Morley owned and operated JoLee's Jewelry for the past 35 years. Helen has been a member of First English Lutheran Church since 1952. She was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Eastern Star.

Helen possessed many unique talents including being a seamstress who enjoyed knitting and crocheting, an artist who loved to paint, a musician who couldn't read a note of music but could play elegantly by ear any tune on the piano and harmonize beautifully with her girls over dirty dishes. Her attention to detail made their home a safe haven for family and friends. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and following their many activities. She will be missed dearly by all those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughters: Nancy (John) Aune and Kathy (Gerald) Longhenry; grandchildren: Eric and Ryan Longhenry, Jenna Longhenry (Tom) Wipf, Shawn (Angela) May, James (Amber & Devin) May, and their father, Gale May; sister Mildred (Lester) Derr and brother Jerrold (Fran) Anderson and scores of special, much-loved nieces and nephews. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Morley; and her parents.