Helen Grandia Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Helen Grandia, 91, of Oskaloosa died Saturday, May 28, 2016, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. She was born October 12, 1924, in Mahaska County the daughter of Clint E. and Cora Mae White Atherton. She attended school in Oskaloosa. Following school, she stayed home to help care for her siblings after the death of her mother. On June 10, 1944, she was united in marriage to Howard Grandia at Oskaloosa. Howard died September 5, 1988. Following their marriage, Helen worked at Lynn’s Poultry, Ideal Manufacturing, and last at Sernetts Department Store in Oskaloosa. She retired from Sernetts when they closed the store. Helen enjoyed gardening, shopping, walking, and bowling. She also enjoyed the company of her cats. She will be remembered for her crocheted pieces and cooking. She delighted in spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. Her family includes her five children, Cora (Joe) Thomes of Red Oak, Iowa, Janet Grandia of Oskaloosa, James (Donna) Grandia of Riverside, California, Connie (Calvin)Rozenboom of Oskaloosa, and Carol Rischette of Hastings, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Jeff, Sheri, Jason, Robert, Patti, David, Tina, Jennifer, Willie, and Michelle; 19 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her parents; a son in law, Mike Rischette; three sisters, Mildred Patton, Charlene Wharton, and Lois Lynch; and one brother, Leonard Atherton. Graveside funeral services and burial will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at 1 p.m. in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. A procession will form at 12:40 Wednesday afternoon at the Bates Funeral Chapel for those wishing to go to the cemetery. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday after 12 noon and continue until 7 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel. The family will be at the funeral chapel from 11 Wednesday morning until service time at 1 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Crystal Heights Care Center Activity Fund or MHP Hospice Serenity House.

Helen Grandia

October 12, 1924 - May 28, 2016