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HELEN BEARD Helen Josephine Beard of Champion, Nebraska was born Jan. 9, 1920 and passed away June 29, 2018. Helen was born in Des Moines, Iowa and at a very young age her family moved to Imperial. She married the love of her life, Irvin (Toots) Beard on March 27, 1942 after he courted her for several years. The couple settled in Champion, where they raised their two children, Carole and Ben. A mother. A wife. A friend. A bridge and pitch partner. Throughout her life, Helen fulfilled all these roles and more, the most important being a beloved mother and grandmother, Gram. In a world that always seems to move too quickly, Gram helped slow things down. You could find her on early mornings baking up something delicious and listening to Paul Harvey. She spent afternoons tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. Her evenings were spent sewing and crocheting. Volunteering was her favorite thing to do. She would do anything at the drop of a hat for anybody. Most recently, she took up the hobby of reading and boy did she fly through the books. She loved going to the library in Imperial and had read through several authors already. She lived a simple life. It didn’t take much to make her happy—a phone call, a card, a visit or a hug. What we inherited from her cannot be damaged, destroyed or lost, it is all the memories she gave us along the way. Helen joins her husband Toots and granddaughter Jennifer Hedgpeth and so many relatives and friends, way too many to mention, but loved by her as well. We do know for sure she will have many waiting for her to start a game of bridge or pitch. She leaves behind her daughter Carole (Alan) Hedgpeth of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; son Ben (Teri) Beard of Champion; grandchildren Melissa (Greg) Ferris, Shannon (Rich) Branting and Brandon Beard; great-grandchildren Jenna (Chris) Flynt, Kelsie Griego, Madison Griego, Carson Branting and Ryder Ferris; great-great-grandchild Landry Flynt; as well as many other nieces and nephews and a whole host of friends. All to her are so special and loved. Gram was always quick to say, “Don’t make a fuss over me, I will be just fine” so per her wishes there will be no service. She didn’t like to be sad and her message is to be happy. Helen’s favorite place to memorialize her was the community she loved most—Champion Community Center. She had been secretary/treasure of the old community club for many many years. Her other loves were the Lied Imperial Public Library and Special Olympics. Just remember to always smile. A private family inurnment will may be held at a later date. LIEWER FUNERAL HOME ENTRUSTEFD WITH ARRANGEMENTS

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Helen Beard

January 9, 1920 - June 29, 2018