Obituary of Helen M. LaForest

Helen M. LaForest, age 91, of Osage Beach, Missouri, departed this life on Monday, March 3, 2014 at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach. Helen was born January 27, 1923 in Freeman, Missouri, the daughter of Alfred and Effie (Harbour) Wallace. Helen was united in marriage to M. Dexter Harper on July 21, 1945. He passed away May 7, 1996. She later married James E. LaForest on July 7, 1996 who passed away May 2006. Helen was a loving and devoted wife and mother and enjoyed her time as a homemaker. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, cooking, reading and playing bridge with the Bridgettes. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Helen had a wonderful sense of humor, that for all who knew her, will be sorely missed. Helen is survived by her daughter, Susan Harper-Spica and husband, Michael, of Lake Ozark, Missouri; her sons, Gary Harper and wife, Kristi, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and James Harper and wife, Debi, of Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Christy Harper, Paul Spica, Katie Harper, and Kyle Harper; and two great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Effie Wallace; her husbands, M. Dexter Harper, and James E. LaForest; her sisters, Virginia Park, Sue Gray, and Elizabeth Wallace; her brothers, Gilbert Wallace, R.L. Wallace, John Wallace, and Hugh Wallace; and one grandson, Doug Harper.