Helen B. Martens, age 85 of Marengo, formerly of Conroy, died Saturday, April 8, 2006 at Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo following a lengthy illness. Memorial services: 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg with Rev. Robin Kash officiating. Burial will be in First Lutheran Cemetery, rural Conroy at a later date. Friends may call from 4 to 7 P.M. Monday, April 10, 2006 at Kloster Funeral Home in Marengo. A memorial fund has been established.

She is survived by her husband James of Marengo; two sons, Dale and wife Carolyn, and Richard A. and wife Kathy, all of Conroy; three grandchildren, Brad Martens of West Branch, Ryan Martens of Hutchinson, KS and Jenna Martens of Conroy; and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Thomas Bevins.

Helen Bernadine Bevins was born March 24, 1921 in Benton County, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph L. and Anna Schneider Bevins. She graduated from Newhall High School in 1938, and married James D. Martens on April 6, 1948 in Van Horne, Iowa. Besides being a homemaker, she was the bookkeeper for the family trucking business for many years. During her healthy years, Helen and Jim enjoyed ballroom dancing and card playing. She was a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 8797.