McMath, Helen Catherine Cochran Whitmore

MCMATH, WHITMORE, CLAYTON, COCHRAN

Posted By: Lorelei Rusco (email)
Date: 6/5/2014 at 11:09:56

McMath, Helen Catherine Cochran Whitmore -
Helen Catherine Cochran McMath was born on January 14, 1918 on a farm in Ringgold County near
Clearfield, IA to Homer Wallace Cochran and Anna May Clayton. She passed away on June 30, 2004.
She was preceded in death by her father, Homer; step father Ralph Porter; mother Anna Porter; and
husbands Jack Whitmore and Dwight McMath.
As a child, Helen attended country school and graduated from Clearfield High School in 1936. Many of her
growing up years were spent with Uncle Harry, Aunt Kate, and cousin Arlo Beggs. At the age of 17,
Helen was blessed with a sister Leann Ruth.
Upon graduation she was employed by the Clearfield telephone office for 5 years. She met Jack
Whitmore at this time. They were united in marriage on September 19, 1942. To this union three
children were born: Paul Roger, Lilian Ann, and Barbara Lynn. In 1957 Jack passed away. Helen
went to work for Dr. Mitchell in Clearfield as a receptionist. In 1959 she was united in marriage to
Dwight McMath. To this union a daughter was born: Sheila Jo. In her later years she worked as a
bank teller at State Savings Bank in Clearfield.
Helen took tremendous pride in her family and home. All of Helen's neighbors benefitted from her
kindness and caring ways. As a young woman, Helen loved to roller skate and play bridge. She always
enjoyed reading. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served endless years on
the Clearfield Library Board.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children Paul Roger Whitmore and wife Maxine of Stuart,
Ann Driskall and husband Dave of Creston, Barb Scott and husband Fred of Carroll, and Sheila Murphy
and husband Jeff of Vienna, MO.; eleven grandchildren and eleven great grand children; sisters-in-law
Lavon Brown, Marylyn Schlapia and husband Dale; brother-in-law Bob McMath and wife Shirley as well
as a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral Services were held at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield on Monday July 5, 2004 at
10:30 a.m. Rev. Len Garrison officiated. Musicians were Bill Scott, Amy Lincoln and Julie Christensen.
Casket Bearers were Scott Driskell, Jason Wachter, Bill Scott, Kurtis Christensen, Sam Whitmore,
Darcy Kearns, Adam Whitmore and Jeff Lincoln.
Burial services were held at the Clearfield Cemetery in Clearfield Iowa. Wilson-Watson-Armstrong
Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday July 14, 2004