Helen Virginia Callens Chism, 90, died June 20, 2013, in Orange City, Fla., at the West Volusia Care Center. She was born in Steele, Mo., Oct. 2, 1922.
She married William (Bill) C. Chism of Blytheville, Ark., on Aug. 26, 1939.
Gradually moving further north, she and her family set down roots in Sharon, where she lived for 24 years until her husband’s death in 1980. She then moved to Florida, where two of her daughters were already living.
Survivors include her children, Virginia (Robert) Burns, Betty (Charles) Ecklyn, Frances Bovenmyer, Ruth (Brad) Wyatt, Sarasota, Fla., Peggy (Robert) Mack, DeLand Fla., Charles (Judy), Richmond, Utah, Frank (Linda), Milton, Patricia Fiegel, Darien; and her brother, Robert (Mary) Callens, Greenwood, Miss.
She is also survived by 30 grandchildren (some of which are step), 40 great- grandchildren, and 27 great-great-grandchildren.
She was further preceded in death by her sister, Juanita Callens; half-brother, Jimmy Callens, Steele, Mo., two grandsons, two nephews and three son-in-laws.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Sarasota Eagles Club at July 6.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to a local hospice in her name.
