Helene Caroline Ebberson Mayhew, widow of Donald Edward Mayhew, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Helene was the youngest of eight children born to Otto and Annette Ebberson (correct Swedish spelling of surname was Ebbesson) on a farm at Bloomfield, Nebraska, March 12, 1929, moving to town, when she was seven years old. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bloomfield.
A good student, she graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1946. At 17, she started her work career at the Nebraska State Capitol with the State Patrol, where she met her husband, Don. They were married during one of many blizzards in February, 1949. The happy couple was blessed with two children, Debra Kay and Douglas Donald. Their father, Don, was able to see his children become successful before his death in a car accident at age 49. Helene was employed by the State of Nebraska for three years before becoming a stay-at-home Mom for 11 years, most of which was spent in the friendly town of Fairbury, Nebraska, due to a transfer.
Returning to Lincoln, she was employed by the Federal Government with Selective Service and the Veterans Administration Hospital for 32 ½ years. After retirement, she worked as a temporary, part-time employee for Nebraska State Revenue for 9 years.
Helene enjoyed her growing family. She loved bowling, playing cards, golfing, sewing, reading, travelling, and decorating her home for the holidays. She followed UN-L sports, and was a Big Red football season ticket holder for 45 years. She volunteered with her church and other organizations, was a member of Mary Circle, Altar Guild, Norden Club, TOPS, Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, Senior Group at Sheridan Lutheran Church, and the Red Hat Society. She served on the election board for several years.
Survivors are: Debra and son-in-law David Shell of Pocatello, Idaho; Douglas and daughter-in-law Barb Hynek Mayhew of St. Charles, Missouri. Grandchildren: Mark and Lorraine French of Boise, Idaho; Ryan and Melanie French of New Braunfels, Texas; Brent and Cortney Mayhew of Kansas City, Missouri; Andrea and Bryce Good of Kansas City, Missouri. Great grandchildren: Donavon and Gehrig French, Layne Jo French, Cooper and Ella Grace Mayhew, Kalee Ann Good, Ashley and Kaila Akina, A.J. and Brianna Rivera. Brother: Walter Ebberson, Renton, Washington. Special friend: Jericia Havekost, Houston, Texas. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by: sister Alice, Mrs. Ray Korth, Hadar, NE; sister Freda, Mrs. Walfred Olson, Wausa, NE; brother Louis, North Carolina; sister Mylldred, Mrs. Ren Bobenmoyer, Hartington, NE; sister Ruth Hawkins, Pasco, Washington; brother Carl, Coleridge, NE.
Funeral service will be held Monday, May 3, 2010 at Sheridan Lutheran Church, 70th and Old Cheney Road at 11:00AM.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 2, 2010 from 2:00 P.M till 8:00 P.M at Roper and Sons Funeral Services 4300 O St. with family greeting friends from 4-5:30 PM. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church.
Memorials may be made to Sheridan Lutheran Church or Capital Humane Society 2320 Park Blvd Lincoln, NE 68502.