West Hills, California
Helen Sue Defibaugh, 79, formerly of Columbus, died at 4:40 p.m. July 17, 2016, in West Hills, California. Born in Muncie Oct. 21, 1936, Helen was the daughter of Lloyd Gilbert and Edith Helen Swander Penrod. She married Dale D. Defibaugh on Sept. 15, 1973, in Dublin, Indiana, and he preceded her in death May 31, 2004.
Helen had worked as a secretary and accountant for American Water Works. She was active in Head Start and had served as the financial officer for CAECI (Community Action of East Central Indiana). Helen was of the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church when she lived here.
In keeping with Helen’s wishes, cremation took place in California. There will be a gathering of family and friends followed by a celebration of Helen’s life from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18th at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home, 222 N. 10th St., Richmond, Indiana. Inurment will follow in Earlham Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials for Helen may be submitted to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be sent to Helen’s family at www.myers-reed.com. Local arrangements were by Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th St.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Kathi Jo Spaulding, Ventura, California; her step-son, Philip (Debbie) Defibaugh of Richmond; her daughter-in-law, Deanna Defibaugh of Columbus; her brother, Bruce Allen (Bobbi) Penrod of Crown Point; grandchildren, Tyler Spaulding, Lori (Tyrone) Frazier, Staci and Brittany Defibaugh and Brandon Perry; five great-grandchildren; her nephews, Chris and Steven Penrod.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her step-son, Stephan Defibaugh; and her sister-in-law, Bobbi Penrod.
