Helen V Eberle

Helen Virginia (Lowe) Eberle, 104, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on February 15, 2026, at her home in Newton, surrounded by the love of her family. After 104 beautiful years, her gentle spirit leaves behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, and steadfast love.

Helen was born on December 19, 1921, on the family farm seven miles from Nevada, Missouri, to Frank E. and Jenni (Shirk) Lowe. She was the youngest of seven children. Growing up on the farm shaped her strong work ethic, deep faith, and lifelong appreciation for family and community.

She attended Bethel School, graduating from eighth grade in 1933, and continued her education at Nevada High School before graduating from Bronaugh High School in 1939.

Answering a calling to teach, Helen attended Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri, and later Pittsburg State College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1946.Teaching was more than a profession to Helen — it was a ministry of the heart. She taught in rural Missouri schools, at Shell City, and later kindergarten in Paola, Kansas. In 1948, she moved to Newton to continue teaching kindergarten, where her nurturing spirit touched countless young lives.

On August 17, 1952, Helen married the love of her life, Cecil Eberle, at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. Their marriage was a partnership grounded in faith, hard work, and unwavering support. When Helen married Cecil, she lovingly embraced his four-year-old daughter, Nita, as her own. In 1959, they welcomed their son, Brett Brian, completing their family.

Helen’s life was one of quiet strength and generous service. She worked faithfully beside Cecil in their side business raising registered Hampshire sheep with Nita, and later Dorset’s and Suffolk’s with son Brett. While also helping with the many tasks that farm life requires, she was an active supporter in the 4H/FFA community. Their large garden and orchard were labors of love, and Helen’s canning and freezing nourished not only her family but many others over the years. Wherever Cecil traveled, Helen stood faithfully by his side — his steady partner and greatest supporter.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. An active and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Newton, Helen served as a deacon, a leader in the women’s organization, a teacher, and a board member of the local community playschool for low-income families. She also found joy in volunteering with the local Salvation Army. In every role, she gave her time generously and served with humility.

Helen remained busy in caring for her home and cherishing time with her granddaughters. She very much enjoyed time spent with Sarah while baking in the kitchen, playing an active and loving role in raising Shandy, and hearing about Lindsey’s equestrian accomplishments. Family was her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent together.

Helen is lovingly survived by her daughter Nita (Morgan) Knudsvig; her son Brett B. Eberle; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Cecil; her sisters Jean Bell, Marthalin Steward, Catherine Lowe, and Barbara Davis; and her brothers Thomas Lowe and Myron Lowe.

Her life was a testament to faithfulness to her family, her church, her students, and her community. Those who knew Helen will remember her gentle spirit, her servant’s heart, and the steady love. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 27, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton, with visitation from 5–9 p.m., Thursday, February 26, 2026, and family receiving friends from 5–7 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Prairie View Cemetery in rural Alta Vista, Kansas, at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial or Endowment Committee or to the Bethel College Community Playschool in care of Petersen Funeral Home