STURGIS - Helen Evodia Mushitz, 85, Sturgis, died Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Health Care Center in New Underwood.

Visitation will be 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Michael Fox officiating. Burial will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Helen was born September 4, 1922, at Platte, SD, to Johan Arthur and Elsie Marie (O'Deen) Lundberg. She attended country school in Platte and graduated from Platte High School. She taught school and continued her education to complete her teaching certificate. On May 29, 1950, she married Urban George Mushitz at Platte, SD. She continued to teach school until they moved to Wessington Springs where they farmed. They moved to Alpena where Urban was the blacksmith and Helen stayed home to raise their family. In 1959, the family moved to Sturgis. Helen worked as an aide at the community hospital and later transferred to Fort Meade where she retired in the late 80's. Helen enjoyed bowling, square dancing, crocheting, ceramics and the chance to travel. She was a member of the Sturgis VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include her daughter, Cleta (Neal) Morrow, Rawlins, WY; son, Arthur (DeNiece) Mushitz, Lompoc, CA; daughter, Marcia (Lance) Wald, Box Elder, SD; son, James (Monica) Mushitz, Lakewood, CO; sister, Elvira Lindsey, Issaquah, WA; 16 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; one son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Naoko; and one brother, Wayne.

A memorial has been established to the Shriner's Transportation Fund.