Helen Utecht

Helen Utecht peacefully passed away on January 8, 2014. She was preceded in death by Robert L. Utecht, her loving husband of 63 years who died in 2011, parents Albert and Clara Neuhaus, and sisters, Ruth Struck and Leone Schroer. Born in 1926 in Newton, Wisconsin, Helen was the youngest of four daughters. Immediately following her high school graduation, she went to Washington, DC to work for the FBI. While there, she met her husband-to-be Bob when both were singing in a church choir. They continued to sing together in choirs for the next 50 years. An active member of First Presbyterian Church in Conway, Helen served as an Elder, Christ Care small group leader, choir member and handbell ringer. She knitted for the Prayer Shawl ministry and was active in the Presbyterian Women's Circle. She was also past President of PEO. Survivors include her three sons and wives, Dr. Bob and Cindy Utecht of Edmond, Okla., Tom and Kathy Utecht of Frisco, Texas, and Jeff Utecht and Dr. Tracey Schmucker of Little Rock; her sister Florence Shekoski of Two Rivers, Wis.; grandchildren, Chris Utecht of Edmond, Okla., Sara Walker of Edmond, Okla., Joseph Utecht of Maumelle, Scott Lashley of Edmond, Okla., Sean Riddle of Little Rock, and Ryan Utecht of Little Rock; and great-grandchildren Bowen Reid Lashley, Grayson Christopher Utecht and Emaline Massey Walker. Helen was loved by many and will be missed by all. All friends of Helen are joyfully invited to her Memorial service to be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church, 2400 Prince Street, Conway, Ark. For lasting memorials, the family requests that consideration be given to the First Presbyterian Church Conway Memorial Garden.