Helen (Walker) Stover

Helen Stover, age 91, of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Southridge Nursing and Rehab Center.

Helen (Walker) Stover was born on October 17, 1933 in West Virginia. She was the daughter of Virgil and Opal (Bradley) Walker. Helen graduated from Ripley High School. In October of 1953, her husband Boyd asked the young Helen Walker, his high school sweetheart, to become his wife. They shared their first date at the movie “Trail of the Lonesome Pine” followed by a spaghetti dinner. On June 30th, 1954, the two were married at the Methodist Church his family attended in Evans, West Virginia, on a very hot 96 degree day. The reception included ham sandwiches on biscuits, potato salad and cake made by his sister.

The newlyweds ventured to Florida on their honeymoon to visit her dad in Daytona, but the heat of Georgia made her ill, so they turned around and started their life together in Columbus, Ohio. In 1961, they welcomed daughter Shirley Jean. Later on in 1994, both Boyd and Helen decided to move to Marshalltown, Iowa. Helen was a homemaker, taking care of her husband and daughter with all her heart. During her working career, she held several roles, including secretary, bookkeeper and bank teller. Helen was a faithful member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Marshalltown. In her free time, she enjoyed crocheting, attending church activities, and staying connected with pen pals. Helen was very interested in religion and politics.

She is survived by her daughter Shirley Jean (Randall Scott) Hoff of Columbus, OH; her grandchildren: Carson Daniel and Keiley Diane; and her friend Janet Hatch.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Opal and her husband of 70 years, Boyd “Bud” Stover.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown has been entrusted with the care of Helen and her family. Memorials in Helen’s name may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church in Marshalltown. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.