Helen Ruth Harder

Helen Ruth (Klempel) Harder passed away on 1/7/2025 at the age of 101.  Born on 7/13/1923 to Frank and Elsie (Huntsinger) Klempel, Helen was the second of what would be four children. Helen grew up on the family farm in Aberdeen, ID. She would often talk about growing up during the Great Depression, but her focus was always how blessed she and her family were on the farm: they were never hungry. Throughout her life, no matter what happened, she kept this same perspective, choosing to focus on life’s blessings even during the hard times. Her deep faith in God and this perspective made her a joy to be around with her smile and ever ready laugh. 

Helen graduated high school in 1941. By 1942 she was being courted by the love of her life, Eldon Harder. They married on 10/5/1945. Together they started a farm and a family, which grew to three boys, James (Twila), Gene (Marcia) and Stan. Helen was later blessed with ten grandkids that she loved to spoil with her chocolate chip cookies which she made by the bucket full!

Helen was Eldon’s faithful companion, helping in all areas of the farm and ranch, even taking the .22 rifle and a box of shells to help take care of the jackrabbit problem! Helen carefully kept the accounts in order; proofread, edited and typed Eldon’s books and sermons; taught Sunday School for many years; and helped counsel, cook and clean at Camp Palisades. From 1966-1986, Helen worked at the experiment station in Aberdeen, retiring as a bookkeeper.

After Eldon passed away in 2012, Helen was lovingly cared for by her son Stan. Her last years were spent at Edgewood Springcreek Assisted Living. Her family is very grateful to those former and current employees at Edgewood and Heritage Hospice who lovingly cared for her these last years.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Eldon, sons James and Gene, and granddaughter Anna. She is survived by her son Stan, daughters in law Twila and Marcia, 9 grandkids and 24 great grandkids.

A graveside service will be held at the Homestead Cemetery located southwest of Aberdeen, ID; on May 17, 2025 at 11:00am. A meal, which was Helen’s priority, will be held at the First Mennonite Church in Aberdeen after the graveside service.

To order flowers, or to share condolences, memories, and photos, please visit DavisRoseMortuary.com.