Leras

Helen Hope Wallace Leras, 86, of Butler went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 8.

Born in Kalispell, Mont., Jan. 12, 1923, she was the only child of Gail McCutcheon Wallace and Ellis Henry Wallace.

Helen graduated from Butler High School in 1940 and attended Marshall University in West Virginia.

She was married Dec. 19, 1944, in First Presbyterian Church in New Castle to George Michael Leras Sr., who passed away Feb. 18, 2002.

Helen was retired from the Nationwide Insurance Co. after 18 years.

She is survived by a son, George Leras Jr. of Hilo, Hawaii; a daughter, Robin (Edward) Hilliker of Upper Black Eddy, Pa.; and by her "adopted" daughter, Barbara Petanovich of Butler. She also is survived by three grandchildren, Joseph George Harosky, Jason Peter Harosky and Jaime Gayle Dickerson; and by two great-grandchildren, Devon Alfred Harosky and Joseph Michael Dickerson.

Helen enjoyed reading, writing poetry, horseback riding and fishing.

She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Butler, where she actively supported the Ladies Service Group.

The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the love and caring thoughtfulness of all Helen's friends, church family and caregivers over many years.

<B>LERAS </B>— A memorial service for Helen Hope Wallace Leras, who died Sunday, March 8, 2009, will be held at noon Saturday, April 4, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Butler, with lunch immediately following.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church in America, 420 N. Main St., Butler, PA 16001.