Helen Prenzel (Martin) Kearbey

Helen Prenzel Kearbey, 85, of Poplar Bluff,  passed away on October 28, 2021, after a short battle with follicular cancer.

Helen was born on September 2, 1936. She grew up in Poplar Bluff and worked at the shoe factory and Gates.

She is survived by her daughters, Vickie Lee and Terena Whitworth and her husband Steve Whitworth. Another daughter, Regina Teague, passed away in 2005. Husbands Alfred Prenzel and Lyndle Kearbey also preceded her in death.

Her sisters Lillian Jameson, Carlene Vincent, and Lorene Miller survive. Brothers Stanley, Ed, and Bob Martin preceded her in death.

Helen’s grandchildren include Holly Prenzel, Hillary Deaton, Kyle Teague, and Matt and Andy Whitworth. She had ten great grandchildren, as well as three stepsons, Terry, Mike, and Rick Kearbey.

Helen excelled at sports, even playing softball and volleyball while in her 80’s. She won many medals and set records at the Senior Olympics. She was on a bowling league and played women’s soccer with ladies much younger than her!

Helen loved the Cardinals, Elvis, jigsaw puzzles, riding bikes, and playing bingo.

Visitation will be on Sunday, October 31, at Willow Ridge Funeral Chapel from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Services will be Monday, November 1, at 3:00 p.m. with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to UCAN in Poplar Bluff.

Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to serve the family of Helen Prenzel Kearbey.