Obituary of Helen R. Mekus

MAYVILLE - Helen R. (Houser) Mekus, age 86, of the Chautauqua Stedman Rd., Mayville, NY, died Monday, April 7, 2014 at home with her family by her side. Helen was born on February 12, 1928 in Rimersburg, PA, a daughter of the late Theodore and Helen M. (Swartz) Houser. Helen spent many years in northern Chautauqua County prior to moving to Port Orange, Fl, where she lived for several years. She had been employed by the Port Orange Wal-Mart as a Cashier for over 17 years. Helen came home to Chautauqua County in 2013. She enjoyed, crocheting, Bingo, traveling to the Casinos, woodworking, painting and crafting. However, her main joy in life was spending time with family and friends, reminiscing and telling stories of days past. She was a loving and caring mother and friend, who would open her home to anyone in need and who made the "best lima bean soup". She is survived by her six children: Judith (Tom) Gibbs, of Mayville, William (Linda) Best of Gerry, NY , Pauletta (Claude) Abbey of Westfield, NY , Marlene (Vern) Post, of Mayville, Cindy (Randy) Raynor of Deltona, FL, and Trudy (Mike) Gambino, of Mayville. She is further survived by her two sisters, Donna (Charles) Hunt of Westfield, and Linda (Ed) Kelley of Groveport, OH and by her six brothers, Theodore (Rita) Houser of Houston, TX, Darl (Jackie) Houser of Port Orange, FL, Harry "Claire" (Judy) Houser of North East, PA, Russell (Donna) Houser, Larry (Anna Mae) Houser and Charles "Fuzz" (Sally) Houser all of Westfield. Helen was the proud grandmother of 20 Grandchildren, 36 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Great Grandchildren. She will be missed by her faithful dog, Cotton. Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 24 years, Milton D. Mekus, in 2002, her daughter Sally D. Smith in 2013, her great great grandson, Toby Brian Sanders, and by her brother, William "Red" Houser. Friends may call on Wednesday evening, April 9, 2014 from 7-9 PM and again on Thursday, April 10, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY, where her Funeral Services will be held on Friday morning, April 11, 2014 at 11 AM with Rev. Richard Hamilton officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia, NY. Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua Vol. Fire Dept., P.O. Box F 2 Royal Way, Chautauqua, NY 14722 or to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 20 West Fairmont Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send Helen's family a message of sympathy, to light a Memorial Candle or for further information.