Helen Lents

Passing away quietly in her sleep on February 12, 2013, Helen Maxine Lents completed a life lived with grace and love. Born April 23, 1921 in Arma, Kansas, Helen was one of five children born to Olive and Earl Draper. Raised in Pasadena and San Bernadino, California, Helen attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa where she met Donald V. Lents, to whom she was married for 62 years until his death in 2005. During World War II Helen worked as an administrative assistant at the Pentagon, eventually leaving to marry and raise three children, after which she crafted a career with the Independence, Missouri school system and Mid-Continent Library Distribution Center. Helen and Don devoted their lives to ministry, serving the Community of Christ across the United States and in the British Isles. Helen was Don’s partner in both their church and personal lives, and during the absences necessitated by Don’s ministry, Helen was the steadying force in their home. Whether in Columbus, Ohio; Nuneaton, England; or Independence, Helen provided a welcoming ministry to family, friends and colleagues where her ear and calming guidance were always available. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Pam and Charles Robison of Independence, Missouri; Don and Peggy Lents of St. Louis, Missouri; and John Lents and Lawrence Marsco of St. Louis, Missouri; six grandchildren: Avis and John McCormick of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Mark and Niki Robison of Independence; Stacie and Kelsey Lents, both of New York City; and David and Isaac Lents of Palo Alto, California; two great-grandsons, Steven and Micaela Miller of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and David Scott-Robison of Independence; one great-great-grandson, Clayton Miller, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; and many nieces and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, a great-grandson, Jay Miller, and siblings Anna May Hoach, Earline Campbell, and Maurice Draper. She is survived by her youngest sister, Crystal Crownover of San Jose, California. A memorial service will be held at the East 39th Street Community of Christ at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 16, with visitation immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Community of Christ’s Temple Endowment Fund, Outreach International, or to a charity of your choice.