Helen Gekeler Stitzel

Helen Gekeler Stitzel, 91, of Ontario and formerly of La Grande, died July 13 at Holy Rosary Medical Center in Ontario.

At her request there will be no public services. The family will have a private service at a later date.

Helen was born Jan. 26, 1916, to William R. and Tina A. Gekeler in Auburn, Wash. She was raised in La Grande.

On May 11, 1940, she married Leonard Stitzel in La Grande. She lived most of her adult life in La Grande. She began teaching in one-room schools in Union County and continued teaching in Mount Vernon, Irrigon and Wallowa after the death of her husband.

Helen was a resident of Wellspring Assisted Living Center for several years.

Survivors include her daughter, Hazel Powell of Tucson, Ariz.; sons, Lawrence of Ontario, George and Bev of Brookings, Harold and Pam of Wallowa; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sons, baby Stitzel, David Stitzel and Stanley Stitzel.