Helen A. Wherley

Helen A. Wherley, 88, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully Sunday evening in Morning View Care Center where she had been a resident for several years. Born in Uhrichsville on August 27, 1915, she was a daughter of the late Christ Merkel and Glenna Buss Merkel. Helen’s mother died at an early age, and she was reared by her aunt and uncle, the late Jacob and Margaret Pretorius as a daughter, even going by the name of Helen Pretorius in high school and early adult life. She was a 1933 graduate of Dover High School where she had played in the school’s band. Helen was a talented lady. She made her children and grandchildren’s clothing with meticulous care as the family seamstress. She had a well kept look about her, and was also a hairdresser. She was gifted with great musical abilities, having written songs, and playing them on the piano or organ while singing along. Later in years, she was a member of AARP. On June 9, 1951 she married Paul B. Wherley, who survives. Together, they raised two daughters, Margie Valentine of North Canton, and Sondra (Lester) Guthrie of Modesto, CA. She’ll be sadly missed by five grandchildren; Vickie Fantozzi of Chagrin Falls, Russ T. Valentine of North Canton, Karin Beam of Sacramento, CA, Linda White of Atwater, and Randall Strobel of Coeur d Â?Alene Idaho; as well as nine great-grandchildren and two nieces. Helen is in a better place now with those who precede her in death; an infant daughter Margaret Kohler, a sister Hazel Beer; two brothers, Raymond and Ronald Merkel; and a son-in-law Robert Valentine. At Helen’s request, immediate cremation has taken place locally through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory. Rev. Glen Shedlock will lead a memorial service in celebration of Helen’s life Thursday afternoon at 4:00 PM in the funeral home’s chapel. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4815 Munson St. NW, Canton, OH 44718.