Helen M. Youngen

Helen M. (Roll) Youngen, Age 103, passed away Friday, April 7, 2006, at the home of her daughter, Dr. Lois Youngen, in Eugene, Oregon. Helen was born December 24, 1902, in Oldtown Valley near New Philadelphia, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Edson Fribley Roll and F. Maude (Van Lehn) Roll. Helen was raised with her younger brother John on a small farm and attended the Fribley one-room school. She graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1922, followed by a year at Tuscarawas County Normal School. Helen taught one year at Hummel Valley One-Room School before attending Kent State College where she completed her teacher training and received her elementary certificate. Subsequently she taught elementary school in New Philadelphia at Southside and Front Street Schools.In 1932 she married a fellow educator, Elden H. (Ty) Youngen of Ragersville, Ohio; he preceded her in death in 1987.During World War II Helen resumed her teaching career. She taught one year in Portage County before moving with her husband to LeRoy (Now Westfield Center), Ohio, where they lived for 27 years. During this time Helen taught in Medina County at Seville, Ohio, and at LeRoy. She spent the last 17 years teaching third grade at Burbank, Ohio, in Wayne County before retiring in 1965. In 1972, Helen and Ty returned to New Philadelphia. Helen was active in the Oldtown Ladies Aid and Oldtown Quilters. She was a member of the Ragersville Historical Society, The Tuscarawas County Historical Society, and the Tuscarawas County Retired Teachers Association. Helen was a life member of the Methodist Church and a member of the Broadway Methodist Church in New Philadelphia for many years. As a member of Broadway’s Women’s Society she enjoyed participating in their numerous activities. In 1984, Helen and Ty moved to Eugene, Oregon, to be with their daughter. Helen became a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was an active member of the Mary Fellowship and Participated in the annual fall bazaar.She is survived by a daughter, Dr. Lois Youngen, of Eugene, Oregon; Nieces Elaine (Billy) Wright of Fort Myers, FL., Janet (Robert) Archer of Ashland, Ohio: Nephews James E. (Laurel) Roll and David (Lona) Roll of New Philadelphia and John F (Melanie) Roll of North Canton, Ohio. Cousin Anna Lou (Richard) Thomas of Hilton Head Island, S.C. In addition there are eight Youngen nieces and nephews and one sister-in-law. Helen was preceded in death by husband, Elden (Ty) Youngen: Her brother John F. Roll, Sr., Her sister-in-law, Geneva A. Roll; and her parents. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia, Ohio. A reception will follow the service in the Geib Family Center adjacent to the funeral home. Burial will be in the Ragersville United Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, April 17, 2006, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.Memorial contributions may be made to Broadway United Methodist Church, 120 Church St. SE, New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663; or, The First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive St., Eugene, Oregon. 97401, or a charity of your choice.