Erika Helliwell

Erika Helliwell, age 69, of Nixa passed away Monday, July 4, 2016. She was born November 6, 1946 in Goldebek, Gemany to Max and Elly Adel Japel. She married Harry David Helliwell, who was based in Germany with the U. S. Army, in Baumholder, Germany, December 18, 1967. Erika and her three children moved with her husband to America. Her husband Harry was deployed to Vietnam and she remained in a strange country with three children and one on the way. She was an independent strong willed person. After her husband retired, from the Army and later the Postal Service, they settled in Nixa, in 2008. She and Harry were very active in AMVETS. Erika loved to square dance and play darts with her husband. She loved flowers and planted various kinds in her yard. One of Erika's favorite things to do was to go for walks in her neighborhood and visiting with the neighbors as she went. Erika was passionate about her politics and had strong opinions. Erika was a stroke survivor and battled Hodgkin's Lymphoma for six months until her passing. Erika is survived by her son Patrick and his wife Kelli, of Clarksville, TN; step son Harry David Helliwell Jr., wife Elizabeth, of Richardson, TX; daughter-in-law Theresa Helliwell, of Cabot, AR; step daughter Sandy Ciran, of Chicago, IL; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Erika is preceded in death by her husband Harry; and step son Bill Helliwell. A visitation will be held from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Monday, July 11, 2016 in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, July 11, 2016 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. Online condolences may be made at adamsfuneralhome.net.