V. Hartzler Eggers Helen

Helen Virginia Coover was born February 7, 1926, in Kansas City, MO to William Harrison Coover II and Mary Theresa Booth Coover. On May 9, 1945, she married Ivan Jerald Hartzler. They brought 4 children into the world: Robert (Beth) Hartzler, Barbara (Alan) Otto, Rebecca (Lon) EuDaly, and David (Jill Ross—div.) Hartzler.

Helen took joy in the lives of each of her 11 grandchildren: Tim (Camber) Otto, Alyssa (Tony) Baxter, Rusty (Carrie) Hartzler, Jerry (Jen) Hartzler, Andrew (Terri) Otto, Camilla (Paul) Barrett, Jessie Hartzler, Brent (Jordan) EuDaly, Clint (Heather) Hartzler, Christopher Otto, and Curtis (Ivy) EuDaly. Though having failing vision, she delighted in “seeing” and praying for each of her great-grandchildren: Cameron and Calen Otto; Emily, Abigail, Braden, Rebekah, and Jack Baxter; Danny and Hannah Hartzler; Hunter and Weston Otto; Piérs, Yannick, and baby-girl-on-the-way Barrett; Iris and Fiona EuDaly; Justin Hartzler; and Arlo EuDaly. She also loved and enjoyed Beth’s sweet grandchildren.

Helen and Ivan Hartzler were blessed with 52 years together, increasing in their love for the Lord and each other until he passed in 1997. Five years later, although she was a contented widow, Art Eggers, founder and pastor of Grace Christian Assembly, also widowed five years, desired Helen’s companionship. He asked her to pray about it when she turned him down. Prayer changes things, so in 2003 they married and enjoyed over 6 loving years together until he passed. Helen Eggers was blessed to love and be loved by Art’s daughters, Linda DeSimio and Becky Jones—recently deceased, and their dear children and grandchildren.

Helen embodied the faith described in Hebrews 12:1-2 and she acted on it in countless ways. At one time in the neighborhood church which she and Ivan were attending, the congregation was bereft of a pianist. When no one else stepped up, Helen, who always admitted she was not musically inclined, prayed and asked the Lord to help her learn piano to fill the void. With minimal piano training, she always gave the Lord credit for helping her. She learned one song each week, practicing while her children were at school. Humbly, she offered a simple tune while lamenting that she couldn’t add fancy extra notes. In three weeks, the congregants were able to sing three songs, and they might have all been played in one key! She kept adding weekly songs to her repertoire then happily gave away the responsibility when a “real” pianist came along.

Helen cared for others with countless cards and encouraging letters, being a prayerful listener to many who sought friendship and solace. Oh, how she loved! The kids remember coming home from school to a cake or fresh cookies with milk! They also noticed that sometimes she fixed fancier meals for a family in need than what was on their family table for dinner that night. Years passed quickly while she lived life being the hands and feet of Jesus to all those God placed in her path. Later, when she kept the grandkids overnight, they were treated to various animal-shaped egg-rich pancakes the next morning! Fast forward, after her second husband Art had passed, Helen baked muffins, bars, and diabetic cookies bi-weekly to donate to those being served by Crossroads Hospice which had kindly cared for Art in his last days.

Helen always thanked God for His provision and blessings in her life. She was grateful to live independently in the apartment adjoining Grace Christian Assembly, in later years being cared for daily by so many who loved her. Daily she declared she was ready to go home to be with her Lord and Savior. When folks called or visited, her standard retort was, “Well, I’m STILL here!”, with a chuckle and a sigh. And then— she WAS no longer here: Helen’s spirit quietly passed to eternal life Sunday morning, September 18, 2022, following a short 8 day illness, lovingly attended by her family and the hospice she had served. Her life is a wonderful example, and she lovingly touched many others during her many years.

Visitation will be 9AM, with services to follow at 10AM, Tuesday, September 27 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials and contributions are suggested to Shelter KC or Grace Christian Assembly.

Visitation will be 9AM, with services to follow at 10AM, Tuesday, September 27 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.