Helen R. Tennyson

Helen R. Tennyson, 102, of St. Peters, formerly of Mokane, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2015, at Mercy Hospital. She was born in Steedman on March 8, 1913, the daughter of the late Emil Schmid and the late Wilhelmina "Minnie" (Vandeloecht) Schmid. On June 4, 1938, she was united in marriage to Fay Tennyson. He preceded her in death on December 24, 1955. Helen was a life-long member of Mokane United Methodist Church and a member of Mokane Eastern Star for more than 80 years. Helen received her Bachelor's and Master's Degree from the University of Missouri Columbia. She taught in rural schools for seven years before moving to Mokane Schools where she taught for 11 years. She finished her teaching career in the Fulton School District after 21 years of service. At a young age, Helen learned to play the piano. She used her talent to serve the Lord by playing the organ and piano for her church. In her lifetime, Helen embroidered 700 or 800 quilts. A few years ago, she had 35 quilts displayed in the Frenchtown Heritage Museum Quilt Show. Those remaining to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include son, Harold Glenn Tennyson of St. Peters, Mo.; sister, Ruth Powell of Gerald, Mo.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Harry and Delbert Schmid; and sisters, Nellie Laube, and Gladys Jones. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton with Pastor Bruce Williamson officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mokane Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to Mokane United Methodist Church or Missouri Botanical Gardens, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences can be left for the family by visiting www.maupinfuneralhome.com.