Helen Costello

Helen Margretha Smith Costello, 92, Nixa, Missouri, formerly of Wichita, died December 21, 2008. A funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 27, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Marysville. A rosary service was held at 7 p.m., Friday, December 26, at the church. Father Anthony Putti officiated. The lector was Hallie Currigan. Gift Bearers were Barbara and Carly Costello. Bob Welch played the organ while Marilyn Mathers sang. Music included “Be Not Afraid”, “On Eagles Wings”, “Only a Shadow”, “Ave Maria” and “Song of Farewell”. Pallbearers were Bucky Costello, Chris Costello, John Costello, John Bennett Costello, Ryan Costello and Tom Currigan. Honorary pallbearers were Anne Costello, Bryan Costello, Carly Costello, Danell Currigan, Hallie Currigan and Jill Costello. Burial was in the church cemetery. Helen Margretha (Smith) Costello, 92, of Nixa Missouri, formerly of Wichita Kansas, passed away December 21, 2008. She was born in Marysville, Kansas, September 10, 1916, the second child to Antone and Johanna (Pille) Smith. She graduated in 1934 from Marysville High School and then worked at the Court House. On November 23, 1939 she was united in marriage to Arlo Costello from Oketo, KS, and to this union four children were born. Helen worked at Boeing in Wichita for 30 yrs as an executive secretary to the director of Quality Assurance; retiring in 1983. She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Ozark, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Dennis; husband, Arlo; sister, Irene Smith Mathers; brother, Clarence "Tony" Smith; and son-in-law, Thomas Currigan. Survivors include one daughter, Jerrlea Costello Currigan of Clever, MO; two sons, Barry Costello and wife Barbara of Marietta, GA, and Curtis Costello and wife Diane of Olathe, KS. Helen was a loving mother and grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her honor to The Kitchen, 1630 N Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65803. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Costello, please visit our flower store.