Helen Ruth Schwalm

ALMA- Helen Ruth Schwalm, 81, of Alma, Kansas, died Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center in Topeka. She was a long-time member of the community. Helen was born July 13, 1926 in Plainview, Arkansas, the daughter of Samuel Carl and Amma Matthews Southerland. Her family moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1930 where she attended local schools and graduated from Argentine Senior High School. She then attended Kansas City Community College and Emporia State Teachers College. She graduated with an education degree in 1949. Later Helen also received her endorsement in Library Science. Helen was an excellent student and athlete. She was a Kansas City, Kansas tennis champion and also excelled in softball and bowling. She had a twenty-one year teaching career in Wamego and Alma where she taught physical education and English. She also served as librarian. Helen started the local girls softball team named the Alma Chicks. She also started the Teen Town for the local youth in the 50s. She was an active member of the Alma United Methodist Church and served as Sunday school superintendent. Helen also served on the local District 329 School Board. She enjoyed dancing, playing bridge and being involved in other community activities. She married Bill Dean Schwalm on December 23, 1950 in Kansas City, Kansas. He survives at their home. Helen is also survived by her daughter, Nancy Wagner, Wamego; a son, Larry Schwalm, Halstead; sisters, Mary Ellen Holland, Bakersfield, California, Martha Burkard, Shawnee; brother, Bud Southerland, Stilwell; six grandchildren, Richard Wagner, Jessica Wagner, Amanda Wagner, Abbey Wagner, Kage Akers and Tana Akers; three great-grandchildren, Kyla, Natalie, and Talon. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Rene Akers in 1998, sister, Mildred Weaver and brother, Carl Southerland, Jr. Graveside funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2008 at McFarland Cemetery in McFarland, Kansas. They suggest memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Foundation or the American Lung Association and those may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellafuneral.com.