Helen Maxine Lough

Helen Maxine Lough, 98 of Kahoka died Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at the Clark County Nursing Home. She was born March 10, 1920 in Wyaconda, Missouri the daughter of Mae Lough. She received her early education in Wyaconda. During her teenage years she moved to Chicago where she lived until she graduated from the J. Sterling Morton East High School in 1939. When she moved to Kahoka she began her career in 1940 as a switchboard operator at the telephone company, which was located in the Montgomery building, now the Kahoka State Bank. When the Kahoka telephone exchange was closed she was transferred to Columbia, Missouri where she worked the last five years until she reached her retirement. She made several close friends at her work both in Kahoka and Columbia. Friendships she maintained by phone and correspondence until well into her nineties. After her retirement, she lived very simply in her small home on Morgan Street and though she had no family of her own, she loved her neighbor's children, remembering their birthdays and saving pizza coupons for them. Since she lived alone and was a devoted listener of KMEM radio news and music programs. She was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ and attended services as long as she was able. She was very compassionate, sensitive and generous toward many in her church and in her community who needed financial help. During the past several years Miss Lough lived in the Clark County Nursing Home RCF and nursing home facility. She loved attending the church services at the home, especially when old hymns were sung. She knew all of the verses and sang quietly along with the worship leader. She is survived by a host of friends. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Friday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka with Pastor Dixie Laube officiating. Burial will be in the Kahoka Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ Sunday School Department.