Helen Estelle Jonas, 96, of Steelville, MO passed away on Friday, February 27, 2009 at the Gibbs Care Center in Steelville. She was born October 13, 1912 in Cherryville, MO to the parents of Ed and Mabel (Day) Ives. On June 28, 1936, Helen was united in marriage in Steelville to Rudy Fredrick "Fritz" Jonas who preceded her in death on March 26, 1994. She will be sadly missed by her sister, Georgia Crawford of Portland, Oregon and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband "Fritz" Jonas; two brothers, Claude Ives and Clarence Ives; two sisters Erma Richter and Glyde Coleman. As a young girl, Helen always loved horses and even when she was older enjoyed driving along the farm land to watch for horses. In the late 1940's she and "Fritz" purchased a farm where they raised Black Angus cattle for several years and they enjoyed farm life. Helen and her husband "Fritz" will be remembered as owners of the Jonas Drug Store for many years. She and her husband were always very giving to the community and individuals when someone asked for help. In the year 2000, Helen presented the city of Steelville the keys to her home on Main Street which became the Jonas Museum. Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Steelville since 1931. Visitation was from 12:00 p.m. until service time on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Rev. Kevin Farr officiating. Music of "Blessed Assurance" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" were sung by Joyce Vaughn and Barbara Chandler with Wanda Ransom accompanying. Special memories were shared by Bill Freeman. Casket bearers were Mike Ransom, John Britton, John Fester, Larry Howdeshell, Jr., Bill Freeman and Robert Bell. Committal prayer and burial were in the Steelville Cemetery in Steelville, MO. The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO. Memorials may be given to the Jonas Museum in Steelville in c/o of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 457, Steelville, MO 65565.