Helen Patricia (Wier) Risk, 97, of Anderson passed away on October 4, 2024 at her residence following a nine month illness.
"Pat"' was born November 22, 1926 in Jasonville. Indiana to Charles and Iva Wier. She was the last of six children. She was preceded in death by her two brothers: Carl and Eugene and three sisters: Dorothy, Elsie and Irene. Pat's family moved to Anderson when she was two. She attended Anderson schools and graduated in 1944. She married Lewis S. Risk and had five children: Jeff (Sherry) Risk of Lapel, Gregory (June) Risk of Anderson, Daniel (Judy) Risk of Wabash, Kathy (Bob) Starkey of Anderson, and Jon Risk of Anderson. She was married to Lewis for 55 years. He died in 2000. Her daughter-in law, Pam and granddaughter -in-law, Tiffany preceded her in death.
While raising her family with two in high school, two in elementary school and one infant, Pat went to college and graduated from Ball State in 1963. She started teaching in 1963 at Leach Elementary. While teaching she received her MS Degree from Ball State. She taught different grade levels until her retirement in 1992. Pat influenced her children as all became teachers with a total of 200 years between all six of them. She and Lewis were proud grandparents to Kent Risk, Jenny Watson, Julie Everitt, Lora Risk, Jamie Walsh, Robbie Starkey, Matthew Risk, Jason Starkey, Christy Andrews, Kevin Starkey, plus three step grandchildren, Vaughn Stafford, Dawn Stafford and Shaun Stafford. In addition, there are 16 great-grandchildren in Indiana and North Carolina and two great-great grandchildren.
Pat helped Lewis build their home from scratch on Madison Avenue where they resided for 38 years until moving into town. While going to college Pat and Lewis added on a major addition to their home. She was an amazing woman over the years. She was a devoted and caring: wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, baby-sitter, scout leader, 4-H leader, Sunday school leader, chauffeur, cook, gardener, teacher, and tutor.
Pat was baptized at a young age at East Lynn Christian Church. She joined her husband at Florida Station Methodist Church, and later she attended Bethany Christian Church with her daughter and family. After retirement, she helped organize the Evening Tide Home Ec. Club and belonged to Marmee Literary Club. Later in life she was a volunteer for 17 years with Friends of the Library at the Anderson Public Library. She was an avid book collector and reader. Jeff, her son, built bookshelves in the house for her thousand books which she could not part with. Up until this last year, she shopped, drove herself, did her cooking & laundry, watched videos and TV, played Wordle & Sudoku, and frequently baby sat for great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Dr. Glen Cox officiating. The burial will take place in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday from 10:30am -12:00 noon at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Samaritan's Purse.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com