Helen M Harbst

Helen M. Harbst, 66, of Newark Valley, went to be with her Lord, at her home, on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009.Helen's health has been declining for the past several years. She is survived by her caregiver and devoted husband of 10 years, David C. Harbst, her daughter Tammy Backner and companion Mike Gross, her sisters and brothers; Dolly (Norma Jean) and Roy Rupert, David (Marilyn) Brown, Frances (Leslie) Dean, Eugene Brown, Gail (Harry) Zimmer, grandchildren, Preston Schrader, Karson Gross, many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her step children; David (Charlene) Harbst, Ruth (Kenneth) Underwood, Marsha (Ray) Brown, John (Danielle) Harbst, Kelly (Troy) Ingham and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren.Helen was born on Aug. 10, 1943 in Springwater, NY a daughter of the late David B. and Ethelyn (Stephens) Brown. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond and Richard Brown. She was a member of the Richford Congregational Church and a former employee of Longview Nursing Home in Ithaca. Helen enjoyed being with and helping elders and was a home health aide for many in the Ithaca Area.Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service for Helen which will be held on Friday, Dec. 11 at 2 PM at the Richford Congregational Church. Pastor James Sweeney will officiate. Private interment will be in Highland Cemetery, Richford. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to her church, PO Box 159, Richford, NY 13835 in loving memory of Helen M. Harbst.The Cooley Family of MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley are assisting with arrangements and friends who wish may sign the guest book at