Helen Dobkins

Helen M. Dobkins, 88, Centralia, died Thursday, November 20, 2008 at Eastridge Care Home, Centralia.

She was born April 17, 1920 at Centralia the daughter of Chester H. McClary and Eva Belle Sherrer McClary. She attended school at Goff and Washington and graduated from Washington High School. Helen served five years in the Civil Service.

She married Jim Dale Dobkins in 1948. The couple lived in Cottonwood Falls, Manhattan, and Eskridge before moving to Centralia.

Helen taught Sunday school for 14 years and was a dedicated church member. She served as a Worthy Matron for the Eastern Star and was a 4-H leader and Girl Scout leader.

Helen is survived by three step-sons, James Dobkins, Redlands, California, Robert Dobkins, Creswell, Oklahoma and Richard Dobkins, Chico, California; a sister, Evelyn Conway, New Jersey; a grandson, Bryan Toben, Overland Park; a granddaughter, Jennifer Toben, Manhattan; 10 step- great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband James, September 22, 2008 and a daughter, Deborah on December 15, 1987.

Funeral services will be Monday, November 24 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Centralia with Rev. Deanna Lewis presiding. Julie Gleason will be the organist and Cyril Steinlage will be the vocalist. Burial will be in the Centralia Cemetery. Casket bearers are Dan Fowler, Lon Jay McClary, J.D. McClary, Landon McClary, Kent McClary, Dirk McClary and Mike McClary. A visitation will be Sunday, November 23 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Hayes-Popkess Funeral Home, Centralia. Memorial contributions may be left to either the First Congregational United Church of Christ or Eastridge Care Home, both of Centralia.