Helen Frances Kelly Williams

Helen Frances Williams, age 91, died on May 31, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born to Alfred and Gertrude Kelly in Churchville, Iowa on March 9th, 1934. She was raised on a farm with her parents where she graduated from Martensdale St. Mary’s as Valedictorian.

Helen met Lauren Owen Williams and they were married July 4th, 1955. Together they had three beloved children, Kelly, Kaye, and Mike. After 41 years of marriage Lauren passed away in 1996.

Helen was fierce and passionate throughout her career in the insurance industry. These traits and her dedication led her to become Vice President of Policy Services at American Equity Insurance until she retired in 1999. Believing idle time to be the devil’s playground, she did not slow down after retirement. Helen continued to volunteer in many capacities, including 18 years at the Des Moines International Airport where she helped innumerable people by providing information about the city she loved. Helen proudly served for many years in Al-Anon, offering support and guidance to others. She filled many administrative positions within Al-Anon, eventually serving as the Chairperson of the World Service Office in Virginia Beach.

When she was not busy with her career and volunteering, Helen enjoyed book club, travelling the country and internationally, and spending time with friends from near and far. Later in her life, she met Ronald Matson, and they became great companions. They enjoyed traveling and socializing with one another until Ron passed in 2023.

Helen leaves behind a legacy of strength, perseverance and poise. She lived a life of dignity and grace. Her resilience is a lesson she passed on to all those that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lauren; longtime companion, Ron Matson; siblings, Florence Warner and Raymond Kelly; and grandson, Tony Anania.

She is survived by her three children, Kelly Dennis, Kaye (Angelo) Anania, and Mike (Jo) Williams; grandchildren Shannon (Keith) Radden, Katie (Rick) Rousseau, Kaycee (Josh) Frey, Christina (Josh) Kline, Dustin Dennis, Dominic (Kayla) Anania, Rosie Anania, Maddie Williams, and Abby Williams; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Tim (Julie) Warner, Gwen (Dave) Oeth, Curt (Marty) Robertson, and Craig (Laura) Robertson.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Scottish Rite Park and Suncrest Hospice.

Family will be greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, followed by a 7:00 p.m. Rosary, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church; 15 Indianola Road, Des Moines, Iowa. Helen will be laid to rest at Iowa Veterans Cemetery together with her husband Lauren at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family or to Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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