Helen Marie Corson, formerly of Austin, passed away on Jan. 2, 2012, at Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines, Iowa.

She was born in Austin on Dec. 15, 1923, to George and Lydia Ross. She graduated from Austin High School in 1942 and was united in marriage to Melvin Corson on Oct. 14, 1945. They had two children, Joanne and Pam.

During her lifetime, she worked for several employers in Austin, was a homemaker for many years and attended Grace Lutheran Church. Helen had many hobbies and pasttimes. She especially enjoyed ceramics and playing cards. After moving to an assisted living facility in Norwalk, Iowa, in 2009, she enjoyed playing Wii bowling and blackjack. Her passion in life remained her family.

She is survived by two daughters, Joanne Corson Hallman, Minnetonka, Pam (Darwin) Larson, Norwalk, Iowa; 5 grandchildren: Kimberly Hallman, Eric (Sarah) Hallman, Elizabeth (Nate) Riordan, Katherine Larson, and Rebecca (Andy) Willson; and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Ronald (Bertha) Ross; two sisters-in- law, Ruth Ross, and Shirley Arett; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Salvation Army in Austin with Major Marlys Anderson officiating.