Helen Chrystal

Helen Chrystal, 88, of Marshalltown, died Sunday, November 4th, in the peace of her home.           Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 9th, at the Green Mountain United Church of Christ with Dr. Kim Wilson officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Green Mountain Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com . Memorials may be directed in her memory to her church, the Animal Rescue League or Iowa River Hospice. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Helen and her family. Ph. 641-844-1234.            Born on August 26th, 1930, she was one of two daughters born to William and Myrtle (Gorsuch) Chrystal. She graduated from the Green Mountain High School in 1947. With a strong work ethic in her heart, she soon headed out into the working world.            Helen began her employment at the City of Marshalltown, beginning her career counting monies from parking meters and working her way up to secretary of the Mayor at retirement. She treasured her job and the people she worked with.            Her home at the apartment building was more than a place to live – she enjoyed her neighbors and was involved in driving them to appointments if needed and made a point to send them birthday cards. She treasured her family and friends and going to lunch at Perkins on Monday. Her church home was important to her as well. She was a lifelong member of the Green Mountain United Church of Christ and taught Sunday school for a number of years as well as serving as church treasurer for over 20 years. Helen made a point to help those in need by volunteering on Thursdays at the House of Compassion amongst numerous other selfless deeds.           Left to cherish her memory is her niece, Carol Gibson Slifer of Green Mountain and her daughters Lindsey and Rachael, her god-son Todd Troutner and many friends. Also surviving is her cat, Mittens, who was her constant comfort.            In death, Helen rejoined her parents and sister, Margaret “Tootie” Gibson.