Helen Caples

Helen Marie “Mimi” Caples passed away surrounded by loving family on Thursday, August 15, 2019. She bravely battled several illnesses, including lymphoma, for seven years.

A memorial gathering to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf, Iowa.

She was born in Kansas City, Missouri on October 31, 1932 to Helen Louise Sharp Kershaw and Joseph Eugene Kershaw. Mom loved Halloween – she said that when she was a child, she thought everyone was celebrating her birthday. When the small children came to the door, she delighted them by telling them it was her birthday. The response was always, “Wow, Halloween is your birthday?!”

Mom was always taking up anything which offered an outlet for her creativity: she was a singer and former church cantor; an artist who worked in pastels, pencils, and oils; and was accomplished in quilting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting.

But her real joy was in her family. She was mother to Sharon (Gammell) Bettendorf; Mike Roberts (Brenda), Camarillo, California; Steve Roberts (Denise), Bandera, Texas, Herb Caples (Linda), Lake Mathews, California; Robert Caples, Hemet, California; Michael Caples (Debbie), California, deceased.

Mom’s grandchildren are Brian, David (married to Jennifer), and Sarah Roberts (Mike and Brenda); Rachael (married to Josh Stemler) and John Gammell (Sharon); Bret, Kyle, and Michael (mother Danna) (Michael Caples and Debbie); Joel, Joshua, and Leah (Herb Caples and Linda)

Her great grandchildren are Katelyn Olivia and June Sofia Roberts (David and Jennifer); Serena Anna-Louise Stemler (Rachael and Josh); Frankie, Trish, and Sean (Joel); Jacob, Jed, and Jayden (Joshua); Zack and Zoe (Leah.); and Ava Susanne (Sarah.)

Mom had a close relationship with her only sister, Margo (Neil) Ingram. They were on the telephone with one another every week. Mom loved Margo beyond measure. Her niece and nephews, Angela Berrett, Rick Gross, and Kevin Gross and their families were always in Mom’s thoughts and prayers

Mom also leaves behind several close, long-time friends: Chris, Shirley, and Dick Bowen, Sally Hogan, Joanne Green, Terri Hayworth, Mary Johnson, Sandy Kunze, and Barbara Morris.

Many are left to grieve but we must mention Tessa. Tessa is the only cat Mom ever liked – and Tessa adored Mom. Tessa’s grief matches our own.

Mom was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alvin R. Caples, son, Michael Caples, and dear friend, Helen Morrison, mother of daughter-in-law Brenda Roberts.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Helen’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.