Helen Marie Wankum, age 80, of Meta, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2017, at Jefferson City Manor Care Center. She was born in Jefferson City on October 25, 1936, daughter of the late Walter and Sabina (Wieberg) Schroeder. On October 22, 1955, in Jefferson City, Helen married Charles John Wankum, who preceded her in death on August 21, 2002.

Helen enjoyed making rosaries for the Overseas Mission. She was a member of the Over 50 Club, Argyle VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta.

She is survived by two daughters, Mary Kay Frazier and husband Mike of Meta and Carol Verhoff and husband Tony of Westphalia; four sons, Charles "Chuck" Wankum, Jr. and wife Denise of St. Elizabeth, Allen Wankum and wife Lois of Meta, Danny Wankum and wife Jennifer of Meta, and Jerome "Jerry" Wankum and wife Jacqueline of Meta; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Dorothy Juergensmeyer of Koeltztown and Alice Helton of Vienna.

In addition to her husband, Charles, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Barb Scheulen, son-in-law, Robert Scheulen; and infant son, Ricky Wankum.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta. Fr. Jeremy Secrist will officiate. Interment will be held in St. Cecilia Cemetery in Meta.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, March 29, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Cecilia Catholic Church.