Helen Coleen Rosenberg Clinkenbeard, 93, of Springfield, MO, passed away September 28, 2019.  She was born on June 24, 1926 in Springfield, MO to O. L. and Nora (Richardson) Rosenberg,

Helen was married for 72 years to her high school sweetheart George R. Clinkenbeard.  Helen was the beloved matriarch of her Clinkenbeard family and always celebrated Christmas for the whole family, having made socks for all 31 of us, color coded by generation, and proudly brought home and displayed on the mantle, and stuffed, each year.

She was a devoted partner to George in his career with the Frisco and BNSF railroad, moving seven times throughout MO, OK, TN and MN, returning to Springfield between the moves and finally retiring in Springfield MO. Helen and George also traveled widely to attend the graduations and marriages of their children and grandchildren.

Helen was a charter member of Wesley Methodist Church and a long-time member of the Benton Avenue Methodist Church before Wesley was chartered.  She was an active and generous member, organizing many events and baking countless apple pies.  She was known for her smile and her laugh and showed her love for her family and friends entertaining Circle, bridge parties, supper club and giving many showers. She was a consummate hostess and her home was open to all.  She also volunteered with the Red Cross.

Helen graduated from Central (Senior) High School and attended MSU, then known as Missouri State Teachers' College, where she was proud to be a "Panola Club girl."

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Rosalie Ford, and brother-in-law Loniel Ford.

Survivors include her loving husband George; sons Joel Clinkenbeard (Jeanette) and Stephen; daughters Laura Hutt (Stephen) and Sara Austin (Mike); niece Lynne Ford Carrier (Joe); grandchildren Abigael French (Keith), Crystal Clinkenbeard (Chuck), Sara Rosemary Anderson (Jim), Brian Austin, Elizabeth Clinkenbeard, Alison Frank (Austin), Stephen Austin (Michele), Steve (Hutt) Mountain (Katie), Dylan Clinkenbeard, Aaron Hutt, Stephanie Clinkenbeard, and George Hutt; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Helen and George also hosted an AFS student for a year, Rosemary Lyons from Christchurch New Zealand, who became their "third daughter."

The family would like to thank the staff at Maplewood Alzheimer's Special Care Center and Integrity Hospice of Springfield for their loving care, kindness, and respect these past three years.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. at Wesley Methodist Church, preceded by visitation at the church at 1:00 and a reception at 3:00.  Arrangements are by Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 3645 South Ave., Springfield MO 65807.

Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com .