Helen Ruth Arnold, 90, of Cozad, Nebraska, died Wednesday, January 11th, 2012, at Park Avenue Estates in Lexington, Nebraska.

Helen was born November 28th, 1921, at Cozad to Leonard and Ruth (Lees) Whaley. She graduated from Cozad High School with the Class of 1940.

She worked for over 20 years at the Cozad Telephone Company as a telephone operator; a job that she thoroughly enjoyed. In 1964, she married Jerry Arnold at Alliance, Nebraska; the couple made their home in Cozad where they lived nearly their entire married lives. In 2011, the couple moved to Park Avenue Estates in Lexington.

Helen always had a talent and gift for artistry. She was very creative and was always pursuing new and different forms of art. Helen dabbled in oil painting, china painting, needlepoint and a range of other artistic forms of expression throughout her life.

She also loved to spend time with Jerry hunting the countryside for wild mushrooms and asparagus. She also greatly enjoyed feeding and watching birds.   

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Paul, Art, Ed "Buster" and Dow; three sisters, Fern, Byrdie and Marjorie.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry of Lexington; two sons, Ron (Linda) Arnold of Orleans, Nebraska, Marc (Karen) Arnold of Cozad, Nebraska; three grandchildren, Keri, Scott and Toby; five great-grandchildren, Nickolas, Gavin, Nolan, Ruby Joy, Adee Grace; and several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services were held Monday, January 16th, 2012, at 2 p.m., at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery south of Cozad.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad was in charge of arrangements.