Memorial services for Helen Bales, 86, of Albert Lea, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. The Rev. George Marin will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral Home. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com

Helen died Sunday, March 9, 2014, at St. John’s Lutheran Community.

Helen Vera Bales was born on Sept. 4, 1927, to Oren and Ladoska (MacElhaney) Shannon in Wheatridge, Colo. Helen grew up in Wheatridge, Colo. and graduated from high school there. On May 24, 1952, Helen was united in marriage to Billy Bales in Denver. Helen worked as an LPN for many years at St. Anthony’s in Colorado.  She was a member of Lukfata Baptist Church in Broken Bow, Okla. Helen enjoyed crafts, gardening, canning, ring-a-word puzzles, her aquariums and was an excellent cook. Most of all, Helen enjoyed time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Billy; daughters, Linda (Dale) Wyatt and Lora (David) Virgil; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joyce (Bill) Woehler and Frances Schwartz; sister-in-law Helen Shannon; and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Melvin and Dale.