Livestream Link Beginning tomorrow, November 29, 2025 at 10:50 A.M.: https://boxcast.tv/view/live-broadcast-ke8au732ht05dud9yyap?_gl=1*jy1una*_gcl_au*MTMyNzEyMjMzNi4xNzY0MjkxMzI4LjkxNzYzODk3OC4xNzY0NDM0MzkyLjE3NjQ0MzU3ODU.*_ga*MTMxMjMxMzMyNi4xNzY0MjkxMzI4*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*czE3NjQ0MzQzODEkbzMkZzEkdDE3NjQ0MzU4MDUkajEkbDAkaDA.
Visitation: Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., Peterson Mortuary, 212 S. Locust Street, Glenwood, Iowa.
Services: Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11:00 A.M., Peterson Mortuary, 212 S. Locust Street, Glenwood, Iowa.
Helen Louise (Keith) Boles, age 93, went to meet her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025. She was born on June 8, 1932, to Henry “Guy” and Esther (Williams) Keith in Oak Township near Pony Creek in rural Glenwood, Iowa. She was the youngest of 5 children. She attended country school and graduated from Glenwood High School with the Class of 1949. In High School, she was involved in choir and was a member of the basketball team. It was during High School that she met the love of her life, Clarence Boles, Jr. They married on March 1, 1951 at First Congregational Church in Glenwood, Iowa.
Clarence and Helen lived in Glenwood together for most of their marriage, except 1952-1955, when Helen lived in California while Clarence served in the United States Navy. For over 40 years, together they owned and managed Glenwood Transit Line. As business owners, they were generous and always willing to help a friend or neighbor in need. Clarence and Helen enjoyed winters in Arizona during retirement, where they made many dear friends, who they referred to as their “Arizona Family.” They were able to continue travelling to Arizona until 2023, when they decided to relocate to Primrose Retirement Community in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Helen was a woman of strong faith with a gift for writing. She humbly shared her writings and her faith in God sustained her through good times and bad. She was a faithful member of First Congregational UCC Church in Glenwood. She served in various leadership positions, including Congregational President and board member for the Church Conference Board in Des Moines. Helen was a member of PEO Chapter FF for nearly 40 years.
Helen is preceded in death by Parents: Guy and Esther Keith, In-Laws: Clarence Sr. and Hazel Boles, Siblings: Vera (Ferdinand) Boyce, Fern (Bill) Swisher, Dwight (Loraine) Keith, Wayne (Alene & Dorothy) Keith, Siblings-in-Law: Jon Boles and Norma Boles.
Survived by her loving husband of 74 years, Clarence, Daughters: Lori (Ron) Jens, Jackie (Gregg) Harless, Grandchildren: Mandy (Chad) Klein, Matt (Kelli) Jens, Sarah (Jeremy) Jacobus, Bryan Harless, Great-Grandchildren: Cody Klein, Caden Klein, Camryn Klein, Blake Jens, Madelyn Jacobus, Nolan Jens, Graysen Jacobus, Avery Jens, Molly Jens, Asher Jacobus, Sister-in-Law: Linda Boles, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Interment, Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Iowa.
Memorial donations have been designated to: First Congregational U.C.C. church in Glenwood or the Keith Klan (54723 250th St, Glenwood, IA 51534).
24 Condolences
My condolences to the family.
So very sorry for your family’s loss. Helen was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. Always a smile. I know you all will miss her immensely. Hugs love and prayers!!
My thoughts and prayers to the Boles family. Helen was a people person She will be missed by all who knew her.
I am so sad to see this. Helen was one of the nicest most sincere people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. What stands out in my mind is how she was always the epitome of a lady. When I was raising my boys I used to marvel at how she would come to church looking so elegant while I struggled to get there with matching socks! Rest in peace Helen. Know that you will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy and prayers to all who knew and loved Helen. She loved writing and she encouraged those around her to write. She always had a pen and notepad outside her door. Each time I walked past, I stopped to write a quick “hello and have a nice day” to her and Jr.
There are no easy words for this heartache. Even if you prepare yourself for this. There is still a part of you that goes into shock when your loved one crosses over. We pray for peace for each of you. The biggest comfort is that Helen was a Christian, she loved our Lord and Savior so you can be certain that she is with Jesus and will never know pain again. Grief is not for her but for you, her loved ones left behind to carry on without their wife, mother, Grammy, Great-Grammy, relative or friend. May the comfort of friends and family help bring you peace as we all remember and honor Helen’s life and spirit.
I end with a favorite quote, she may have been blind but she had the wisdom of many.
“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” ~ Helen Keller
Clarence, Lori & Ron, Gregg & Jackie & your families. Randy & I are sending prayers of peace and hugs. Helen was a very kind lady that did not know a stranger and would always stop and share a conversation with you. I know her earthly presence will be missed by family and all the other lives she touched. She will continue watching over all of you from her heavenly resting place.
What a great person and a very special person in my life. She will be missed
Clarence, Lori and Jackie, I was sorry to hear of Helen’s passing, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers,
Jackie, Greg, Bryan, Jr, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Many hugs and prayers to you. Helen was such a great friend to my parents when they moved into PrimRose! When Mom was in the hospital and towards the end she would make sure that Dad would make it to lunch and supper! And after Mom passed she still looked after Dad until he went to assisted living. I am so grateful for them both. Many hugs and prayers to you and your family. I have learn that faith, friends, and family can get us through anything. Good bless your family.
Was very sorry to read this, Helen was such a nice person to know, always friendly and with a big smile. My condolences to all family members.
Jackie and Greg So sorry to read of your mom’s passing. Losing a mom leaves such a void in our lives. Thinking of you at this sad time. Sending hugs your way!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Helen was the definition of a lady. Her writings will provide good memories for your family. Prayers to all of you.
So glad I got to know this lovely lady. I will miss her. RIP
Lori and Ron and all your family. My thoughts are with all of you as you say goodbye to your beautiful mother. You were so blessed to have her for so many years. Love, Carol Anderson, Corning
Jr., Lori (Ron), and Jackie (Greg) so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. Jackie your parents were like a second mom and dad to me back in the day. Always had a good time with the Boles family. May you find peace in your memories and your love for “mom”.
I can say it is a terrible loss to us . We always saw eye to eye even though it didn’t look like we did! A great loss of a sweet sweet lady. Greatly missed already.
Our thoughts are with your family at this time. Helen was such a special lady. Her kindness and friendship I will remember and cherish.. it’s a very difficult time but know you are in our prayers
Sending deepest sympathies for your family as you grieve your precious “Grammy”. She was a light in the room, always kind and friendly, a sweet smile and shared laughs. She will always be in your heart and memories. God Bless all of you.
So sorry to hear that Helen has pasted away. She was a beautiful lady. Remember all your good times you all shared together. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere condolences to Clarence & the family. Helen was one of those rare people we are lucky enough to encounter in our lives. Her spirit & essence will always be with us. We were very blessed for having known her.
I am so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. Helen always had a smile on her face and a heart of gold. She was such a kindred soul. Along with Clarence they raise a loving family. You all will need each other! Love you ❤️ Jolene Roecker
Condolences to the Boles family; great lady – always smiling!
Aunt Helen was one of my favorite aunts. I loved following her on facebook and always enjoyed her witty posts. Even though we didn’t see each other often, l hope she knew how much I cared about her. May she rest in peace.
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