Helen Margaret Strangmeier
Helen Margaret Strangmeier, of Beach City, peacefully entered eternal rest on Oct. 25, 2018, at the age of 82 years, 3 months, and 14 days with her children by her side. Helen was born to James Isaac and Margaret Flora Catherine (Friedman) Miller on July 11, 1936, in Baytown.
Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, John Edward, and both her parents. She is survived by her children and their spouses, John David Strangmeier; Deborah Strangmeier McDonald and Cory; Rosanna Strangmeier Reuter and David; grandchildren Johnathan Strangmeier, Courtney and Dustin Lindley, Nicholas and Hayley Berry, Rebecca and Thomas Sharpe, Catherine Reuter, Ryan Reuter, Carl Reuter, Caroline Reuter, John McDonald, Jacob McDonald, Michael Berry, Jeremy Berry, Dex Greer and Drew Greer; great-grandsons Bryce Lindley, Hudson Sharpe and Karter Berry; great-granddaughters Chloe Strangmeier, Caitlin Strangmeier, Reagan Sharpe, Kelsey Lindley, Caydence Tuck and Aubrey Berry; sister Barbara Smith and husband Ronald; brother and sister-in-law James Strangmeier and wife Nelda; sister-in-law Anne Strangmeier; many precious nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; dear friends and precious caregivers.
Helen attended Lee College and worked at a department store in downtown Houston, where she met her life-long best friend, Louise Holdsambeck. She also held a real estate license and worked with her husband, John, at their agency in Channelview. Helen was an avid poll worker during elections, room mother for her children’s schools and assisted with their Scout troops. Helen devoted her life to caring for her family, creating gourmet meals not just for holidays but for friends and family and the lodge to which John belonged. She was a master seamstress and created everything from Easter finery to formal wear for her children’s events and precious baby quilts for her grandchildren. She was an avid gardener and always had a vegetable garden and beautiful flower beds no matter where they lived.
After retiring, they moved from their home in Channelview to their ranch in Wortham, and it was there that she continued caring for friends and strangers who soon became friends! Helen never met a stranger. Ever. No matter where she went, she made a friend and learned things most would never have learned just by chatting in line at the grocery or at the bank; She was keen on helping others without them even knowing she was doing so. Once you were befriended by Helen, you remained her friend whether you saw her frequently or once every few years. Helen loved music, and she and John traveled around attending bluegrass festivals and meeting many musicians over the years with whom they stayed in touch.
Her infectious laughter, naughty sense of humor, infamous eye roll, sweet smile and tender touch will be missed.
The family will receive friends at Crespo and Jirrels Funeral Home on Monday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Cedar Bayou Masonic Cemetery.
