Helen E. Kurz, 81, a former resident of South Whitley, Ind., passed away at 11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2013, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, Ind., where she had been a resident for the past 6 months.

She was born April 18, 1932, in Whitley County, Ind., to the late Esta and Ruby (Hull) Keel. Her formative years were spent in South Whitley where she graduated from South Whitley High School. On Feb. 28, 1953, was united in marriage to William Dean Kurz. They made their home in South Whitley. Mr. Kurz preceded her in death.

She is survived by four daughters: Lena Mueller, South Whitley; Karole Holzinger, South Whitley; Patricia (Douglas) Keck, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Blanche Diane (Kirk) Doty, South Whitley; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Kenneth (Barbara) Keel and Robert (Phyllis) Keel, both of South Whitley; and two sisters: Joan (Donald) Carver and Phyllis Simmons, both of South Whitley.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters: Mary Lou Jackson and Lois Jean Keel.

Visitation will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Servia, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Collamer Church of God.