Helen Benita Metcalf Gartin

Helen Benita Metcalf Gartin, 90, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025 and was ushered into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Helen was born on February 10, 1935, in Iantha, Missouri, and spent her formative years on the farm near Lamar, MO.  Helen graduated high school in 1953 in Lamar before her father went to work in the aircraft industry in Wichita, KS, necessitating the family move there.

A blind date with Charles Gartin led to an 8 month courtship, and on September 3 of 1955, they began a marriage lasting for nearly 70 years.  They enjoyed swing dancing, and riding motorcycles with friends.  They resided in Wichita, Caney, KS and eventually Joplin, MO where they lived on Alabama Avenue for 56 years together, raising three sons and a daughter.

Helen attended secretarial school with a Bible company in Wichita, but began her successful career as an alterationist/seamstress supporting her husband in the dry cleaning business.  She honed her craft in all types of sewing, including draperies, and upholstery. She retired from JCPenney as their alterationist extraordinaire, tailoring suits, wedding dresses, and anything else to help people feel and look their best. She was also a talented artist and musician, passing on many of her skills to her children.  She had a passion for gardening, wildlife, photography, and traveling with her family.

Helen’s faith led her to worship at Central Christian Center in Joplin where Charles served as a church deacon for many years. She and Charles had a nursing home ministry where they faithfully served weekly for many years.  Charles preached and Helen played piano, leading services for those who were no longer able to attend church on their own.

A dedicated and loving wife and mother, Helen leaves behind her beloved husband, Charles Gartin, as well as a deeply cherished family that includes her son, David (wife Tammey), son, Steve (wife Sue), daughter, Benita (husband Don), and son, Mark (wife Sarah).  She was the proud grandmother of Samuel, Sarah, and Jesse McConnell, Meghan Aldridge, and Kenneth, Jason, and Benjamin Gartin.  Great grandchildren include Kaite, Kelce, Maggie, Ramona, Melanie, Eli, Malachi, Elaine, and Keira. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy and pride. She is also survived by her younger brother Vern Metcalf, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her father, Chester Metcalf, and mother, Waunita.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Central Christian Center, Joplin, Mo.

A Memorial has been established with the Solace House of The Ozarks, 2425 Mina Ave, Joplin, MO 64804.

Helen’s sweet spirit will forever resonate in the lives she touched, and the memories shared with friends, family, and anyone who crossed her path. She loved deeply, and was loved deeply in return by all who had the opportunity to know her.