Helen Margarite Eck Milner was born on August 6, 1923 in Brookville, Ohio and died on Tuesday, April 1, 2003, in Big Spring, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Doyal Lowery Milner; her parents, Wes Sylvester Eck and Viola Mae Alexander Eck; brothers, Homer Leroy Eck and Albert C. Eck; sisters, Isabell Laura Eck Pumprey, Fern Leatha Eck Berry and Hazel Doris Eck Hensel. Helen is survived by: son, James Doyal Milner of Meadows Place, Texas; daughter, Rebecca Elaine Milner Biehler of Lorain, Ohio; four grandchildren Michael Dean Abel, Karen Melissa Abel Brant, Lori Diann Abel, and Deborah Carleton Milner; one step-grandchild, Brain Robert Biehler; 2 great-grandchildren, Hannah Marie and Natalie Elizabeth Abel; one step great grandchild, Brianna Biehler; two sisters, Ruth Mae Eck Lee and Opal Elnora Eck Alley; one brother, Delbert D. Eck; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends, including her long-time friend, Martha Christy of Big Spring. As a child, Helen lived with her family on a farm outside Brookville, Ohio. While living there, Helen met Doyal Milner, who was stationed at Wright-Patterson Army Air Corps Base in Dayton. Helen and Doyal were married on July 18, 1943 in Dayton. Helen worked in Dayton while Doyal was stationed in India. In 1951, Helen, Doyal and James moved to Texas. Then, in 1957, Helen, Doyal, James and Rebecca settled in Big Spring. They were long-time members of Wesley Methodist Church in Big Spring. Helen worked for 15 years in the Big Spring High School cafeteria. Helen also enjoyed working with small children and she kept the nursery at Wesley Methodist for a number of years. In Helen's later years, she and her friends enjoyed playing games like Skipbo. Helen was also an excellent cook, and her desserts were legendary. She won numerous blue ribbons for her desserts at the Howard County Fair. In the last several years, Helen was a member of North Birdwell Lane United Methodist Church.Memorials may be made in Helen's name to North Birdwell Lane United Methodist Church, 2702 N. Birdwell Lane, Big Spring, Texas 79720. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Friday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, April 5, 2003, at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rev. Joel Miller, pastor of North Birdwell Lane United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
