Helen Viola (Olson) Draves, 92, of Staples, died July 4, 2009 at Lakewood Health System, of Staples.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m., July 10 at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples with Rev. Eugene Floistad officiating. There will be no visitation. Internment of Helen, and her children, Carole and Ron, will be held immediately following the service at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Arrangements are with the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

Helen was born March 17, 1917 to Albert and Anna Martina (Grant) Olson on a farm south of Staples. She attended country school through the eighth grade, and town school through the 10th grade. She married Gustav Draves in 1939.

Helen worked in food service in Staples at the Cardinal Café, Edie's Café, decorated cakes for 15 years at Harv's Bakery and cooked at the Mary Rondorf Home until her retirement at age 80. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends and was known for her apple pies. Helen was especially fond of fried chicken and chicken and dumplings.

She enjoyed sewing, barn dances, fishing, picking blueberries and camping. She was a member of the First English Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and Faith Lutheran Church throughout the years.

Helen nursed her husband and both of her children through terminal illnesses.

Helen is survived by two sisters, Lillian Duda of Pine City; Audrey (Ralph) Tholl of Motley; one brother, Arnold (LaQuita) Olson of Brookings, S.D.; three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one great great-grandchild, nieces and nephews, special friends, Renee Stewart, Mary Kupfer and Katie Gaugert.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one sister, Mildred; one daughter, Carole and one son, Ron.

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