Helen Louise Davis, 99, of Agency died peacefully on her farm April 16, 2026 having lived a full and rich/meaningful life. Helen was the eldest child of Sylvia and Dale Rupe, born September 19,1926 in rural Drakesville Iowa. She and Kenneth Arnold Davis were married March 27, 1947 at The Little Brown Church. Kenneth proceeded her in death in 2008.
A 1943 graduate of Bloomfield High School, she also graduated from Iowa Success Business School in Ottumwa. Prior to marriage she served as manager for WT Grant & Company, assistant to Doctors Bovenmyer & Wolfe, and during World War II as secretary for the Wapello County Agricultural Agency (FSA) maintaining confidential materials relating to the Naval Air Station located outside Ottumwa and processed permits related to farming during the war. After devoting herself to raising 3 children and assisting on the farm, she returned to work and served as secretary to mayors and city managers for 8 years.
She and Kenneth moved to the farm in 1947 where together they farmed successfully for many years. Helen was actively involved in the operation of the farm until her death. A lifelong contributor to her community, she was the oldest living member of the Eldon Methodist Church, a Sunday School Teacher, served on the Wapello County Extension Council, Wapello County Homemaker Health Board, Wapello County Red Cross Board, Wapello County Fair Association, a 4-H leader and school district treasurer. After her retirement in 1994, Helen was committed volunteer Long Term Care Ombudsman for the State of Iowa and for the Jefferson County Hospice.
Surviving are her children, Dennis (Pat) of Batavia and Dr. Kay Davis of Columbia, Missouri; a sister Mary Murray of Aurora, Illinois; sister-in-law Shirley Rupe of Omaha, Nebraska; brother-in-law Richard (Leona) Davis of Branson, Missouri; many loved nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; great great nieces and nephews; and cousins.
She was proceeded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years; son Donn Davis; brother Max Rupe; sister and brother-in-law Cora Mae and Arlyn Still; sister-in law and brother-in-law Carolyn and Russell Davis; brother-in-law Dick Murray; and former sister-in-law Betty Adamson.
Celebration of Helen’s extraordinary life will be at 1 pm Tuesday at Eldon Methodist Church with Pastors David Peterson and Margaret Shank officiating. Family will be present to greet family and friends one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Eldon Methodist Church; Eldon Fire and Rescue; Agency Fire and Rescue; and Every Step Hospice.
The family is grateful to Every Step Hospice, Sharon Adamson, Marlene DeMoss, Lou Anne Durham, Nicoa McClure, Jackie Luna and Kathy McSparen who’s thoughtful care and friendship made it possible for Helen to stay in the home she cherished for 79 years.
