Helen Margaret Huus

1913 - 2011

Helen Margaret Huus was born on November 1, 1913 in Northwood, IA, the daughter of Jacob Haaverson and Mary Belle (Tiffany) Huus.

She died on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at San Juan Rehab and Care Center in Anacortes, WA.

After high school graduation as valedictorian in 1932, she attended the University of Northern Iowa, interspersing teaching in a one-room rural school. In 1940, Helen received her BA degree, magna cum laude. Helen then attended the University of Chicago, receiving her Master's in 1941, and her PhD in 1944, majoring in Teacher Education and Reading.

She was the research assistant to Dr. William S. Gray, the noted reading authority and author of the "Dick and Jane" reading series.

During World War II, Helen enlisted in the WAVES, commissioned as an Ensign, and commanded the Educational Services Office in Washington, DC. She stayed in the Naval Reserve, retiring as a Commander, USNR, in 1973.

Helen's professional career included teaching for two years at Wayne State University, twenty years at the University of Pennsylvania, and eleven years at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

A Fulbright Research Scholarship to Norway allowed Helen to spend the 1950-1951 academic year studying their schools, and resulted in a book, The Education of Children and Youth in Norway.

She also authored many other publications, journals, and articles for the elementary grades. After retirement she wrote and implemented a curriculum in literature for the elementary grades for the State of Missouri.

Her travels included fifteen trips to Norway, two trips around the world, every US state, and Canadian province, plus tours to Russia, Israel, China, Central America, and South America.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Clara Cartmell.

She is survived by her sister, Ada Huus of Anacortes; and her nephews and their families, James and Richard Cartmell, along with other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at the Anacortes Lutheran Church with interment at Sunset Rest Cemetery, in Northwood, IA.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. In lieu of flowers, please remember your favorite charity. To share memories of Helen, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.