Helen Gearhart

Helen Marie Gearhart, 88 of Atlantic, Iowa, passed from this world into the presence of her Savior on Monday, September 7, 2026 at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Helen (Boten) Gearhart was born May 28, 1938 in Nevada, Iowa to Henry John and Arlene Mildred (Kenney) Boten. Helen loved her small town, rural Iowa childhood roots. She would often share her fond memories of growing up on a farm, reminiscing about being her dad’s constant shadow, tagging along to “help” him with whatever needed to be done on the farm.

She was baptized at the age of 13 at the Johnson Grove Methodist Church and again at the age of 17, at the Nevada Christian Church, rededicating her life to Jesus Christ.

Helen graduated from Fernald, Iowa High School in 1956, where she was active in multiple areas of music, along with theater, cheerleading, journalism and basketball. After graduation, Helen attended Secretarial College in Omaha, which landed her a job as a secretary in Washington, DC, working for the Department of the Navy.

She eventually made her way back to Nevada, Iowa where she was united in marriage to Jack Gearhart. Jack’s employment brought them to Atlantic, where they put down roots, raising four children, Richard, Cynthia, Jan and Michelle.

In the early years of raising her children, Helen also welcomed many children into her home as she ran an in-home daycare. Helen was also employed at Cappels Ace Hardware, but spent the majority of her working years as a dedicated secretary at Lincoln and Schuler schools in Atlantic, where she was loved by both staff and students.

Helen thoroughly enjoyed flower gardening, making many trips with her girlfriends to greenhouses near and far to find just the right flowers. She enjoyed traveling and her favorite trip by far was an Alaskan cruise that she and Jack took to visit Michelle. When she found herself in widowhood, she held onto that adventurous spirit and had so much fun taking several bus trips with her girlfriends. Helen also enjoyed making quilts for her family and gathering with friends to play Bridge or Bunco.

Helen was a member of the First United Methodist church in Atlantic for more than forty years. In her later years, she was also a member of GracePoint Church in Atlantic. Helen Served on the board of Directors for the Family Crisis Support Network. She dedicated many years serving children as a 4H leader, was active in service to her church and was a member of the BPOE Does.

Helen was a humble, kind soul who had a servant’s heart and loved others well. She adored her family, and after raising her own children, she welcomed her role as a grandma and great grandma (GG) with joy. She suddenly forgot the word ‘no’ as she spoiled her grandchildren like a grandma should. Helen was an overcomer, facing many incredibly hard life challenges with grit, grace, strength, and perseverance as she held onto Jesus as her Rock, Fortress, Comforter and Counselor. Others rarely knew what she was facing because her servant’s heart was exhibited to others no matter what she was going through. She was skilled at finding beauty among the ashes. Her family would say that Helen’s greatest accomplishment was loving her family and friends with everything she had.

Helen is survived by her son, Richard (Tammy) Gearhart of Cincinnati, Ohio, daughters, Cynthia Steckel of Salem, Oregon, Jan (Brent) Myers of Atlantic, Iowa; grandchildren, Brandon (Holly) Steckel, Carrie (Dave) Taylor, Mallory (Jay) Robinson, Megan Mewhirter, Nicholas (Michaela) Myers, Tad Gearhart, Paige Gearhart, Nina Gearhart; great grandchildren, Hallie, Colton, Carsyn, Chloe, Mara, Lane, Abigail, Tyler, Audrey, Avery, River, Samantha, Elijah, Jareth, Ethan, and Rebekah, as well as many beloved friends.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter, Michelle Gearhart-Wells, son-in-law, Fred Steckel, granddaughter, Danielle Gearhart and grandson, Keith Gearhart. 

A Visitation with family present will be Monday, September 14th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Funeral Services will be the following morning, Tuesday, September 15th, at 10:00 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, followed by burial at Atlantic Cemetery. Pastor Ben Winford of New Life Church will be officiating services. A luncheon back at the Methodist Church will follow the burial.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Helen and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.