Helen Louise (Hooker) Lawson

Helen Louise (Hooker) Lawson, 97, Kokomo, passed away Friday, May 5, 2023, at home. She was born in Kokomo, Ind., on May 19, 1925, the daughter of the late Russell and Gladys (Sanders) Hooker. On Oct. 25, 1953, she married Wilbert Lawson. He preceded her in death on April 29, 2004.

Helen was a 1943 graduate of Kokomo High School. She was the former manager of the Kokomo High School Bookstore, financial secretary at Main Street United Methodist Church and bookkeeper at Kokomo School Employees Credit Union. She was also employed at Elwood Haynes School and as a babysitter.

Helen was an active member of First Friends Meeting in Kokomo where she helped prepare and serve many meals, as well as serving as a member of Outreach Committee and Joy Circle. She was a former 4-H and Girl Scout leader and Salvation Army officer. She was a foster parent and a Big Sister. She volunteered at VICS, the Howard County Museum and Meals on Wheels, and was a Book Buddy and a child advocate with CASA. Even in her 90s, she knitted blankets for the needy until her eyesight failed.

She enjoyed watching a variety of sports, from football and basketball to golf, but the team closest to her heart was her Chicago Cubs. She was always ready for a game of Euchre or Pinochle -- and she played to win. Helen had an amazing sense of humor, enjoyed traveling and loved to bake pies and make candy.

Helen is survived by her children, David (Lisa) Lawson of Chambersburg, Pa., Liz Lawson of Redkey and Emily (John) West of Sharpsville; seven grandchildren, Edward (Jessica) Lawson, Michael Lawson, Laura (Jason) Kistler, Paul (Amy) West, Daniel Lawson, Jane West and Lydia (Ben) Seifarth; 13 great-grandchildren, Caleb Lawson, Olivia Lawson, Mila Lawson, Eliana Lawson, Ariana Lawson, Adalina Lawson, Eleanor Kistler, Summer West, Aubree Kleckner, Caspian Seifarth, Thomas Seifarth, Joshua Moore and Jacob Moore. Another great-grandchild is expected in August.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Ruth Dorval; and brothers, Paul Hooker and Robert Hooker.

Helen’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her devoted caregiver and friend, Ronda Despain, for the exceptional care she provided.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2023 at First Friends Meeting, 1801 Zartman Rd., Kokomo. A memorial service will follow at 5:30 p.m. with Dr. Michael C. Carson officiating. Contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to First Friends Meeting Outreach Committee or First Friends Joy Circle. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.