Obituaries

Helen Virginia Gooden, 77, of Kalona, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Mercy Hospital, Hospice Unit, Iowa City. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 11 AM at Lensing Funeral Service, Iowa City. Visitation will be held Tuesday, from 4-7 PM at the funeral home with a rosary recited at 3:30 PM. Burial will be in Sharon Hill Cemetery, Kalona.

Helen was born on August 1, 1939 in Taylor, TX the daughter of Henry and Binnie (Marquez) Rios. She was united in marriage to Claude Gooden on August 24, 1974 in Tampa, FL; he preceded her in death on May 27, 2014. Helen was a nursing assistant for various employers throughout her career. Helen and Claude enjoyed spending their time fishing and strolling through flea markets.

Helen is survived by her five children, Paul (Bev) Marple, Dirk (Angie Burnett) Marple and Randy Marple, all of Iowa City, Tammy Marple and Kelly (Connie) Marple of Farmington, AR; eight brothers, John (Jeri) Rios of Coralville, Frank (Laura) Rios of Tiffin, Tony (Donna) Rios of Wellman, Tom (Wendy Jo) Rios of Davenport, Roy (Diane) Rios of North Liberty, Ray (Diana) Rios of Cedar Rapids, Henry Rios of Solon, and Benny (Margaret) Rios of North Liberty; sister, Mary (Ed) Sekula of Minnetonka, MN; nine grandchildren, Alexa, Schuyler, Scott, Dan, Chelcei, Dirk Jr., Ben, Carissa, and Ryan; and eight great grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Emmett and Raymond, and a half-sister Nueves Gonzelez.

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