Helen Elizabeth Downey, 88, Harrisonville, MO, died Sunday, December 19, 2010, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, after suffering a stroke. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Harrisonville. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the church.

Helen was born September 24, 1922 in Osborn, MO, the daughter of Lester Nicholas and Marguerite Adelia (Green) Lollar. She grew up in the Osborn area. She was a 1944 graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia, with a degree in Home Economics.

After graduation, she moved to Harrisonville for her first job, where she met Elmer. She taught Home Economics for a number of years in Harrisonville and later taught third grade. When the Harrisonville school lunch program went into effect, Helen was in charge of planning and setting up the first kitchen and lunch program.

Helen was an active member of the Harrisonville United Methodist Church, serving on many committees. She was a charter member of the Clay Potter's Club, a charter member of the Progressive Priscillas Extension Club and was also a licensed real estate broker and a member of the Harrisonville Lioness Club.

Helen is survived by two sons, Larry Downey and wife, Jennifer, Harrisonville, MO and Alan Downey, Sunrise Beach, MO; one daughter, Sue Thorne and husband, Mike, Leawood, KS; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one brother, Gordon Lollar, St. Joseph, MO.