Helen May White was born on April 12, 1927 in Sweden, Missouri (near Ava, Missouri) to Cora (Wilson) and Richard Peterson. She worked as a bartender for most of her working years, lastly at the Springfield institution, The Cat & the Fiddle Bar and Lounge, for nearly thirty years until her retirement in 1986. She earned the nickname "The Dragon Lady," as she was not only a charmer, but also a feisty redhead who could handle just about anyone and still have their respect. She is survived by her husband, Ford White; her daughter, Patricia Parker and son-in-law, Frank Parker; granddaughters: Toni Parker-Burdette and Tracey Parker; her great-granddaughter, Caitlin Burdette; and step children Brenda White and her husband Jim Toohill, and Darin White; and her sisters: Shirley Keaton, Laura Faith, Selma Jane Ray and Mildred Spooner; and many step- brothers and sisters. Helen will always be remembered as a loving, funny, and generous soul who had great style and a love for animals, plants, flowers, and Wheel of Fortune. She loved to hop in the car and head to Oklahoma to the casinos. She was always on the go and couldn't sit still for long. She made quick friends with anyone she met. Helen and her family loved one another more than anything else. Helen was a member of Faith Baptist Church, VFW Auxiliary, Elks Lodge Auxiliary, Shriner's Ladies Auxiliary and The Moose Lodge Auxiliary. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28 at 1:00 p.m. and funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and Integrity Home Care (hospice). The family would like to thank Jordan Creek Nursing and Rehab for their thoughtful care. Online condolences can be made to www.gormanscharpf.com.