Helen Lee (Hasselbring) Howard, 85, Joplin, Missouri, formerly of Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born on September 18, 1928 in Sarcoxie to the union of Adolph and Velma (Alberty) Hasselbring. As a child she attended Holy Cross Lutheran Grammar School in Saint Louis, Missouri, and was a 1946 graduate of Sarcoxie High School. On December 7, 1951, she was united in marriage to Earl Howard and together they shared thirty six years until his passing in 1988. For many years she and Earl owned and operated the Joplin Auto Auction. After her retirement in 2004 she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid reader and bridge player and a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sarcoxie. Helen was preceded in death by her parents and one brother; Dale Hasselbring. Helen is survived by four sons; Curtiss Lynch (Linda) of Sarcoxie, Keith Howard (Jan) of Overland Park, Kansas, Greg Howard of Joplin, David Howard (Barbara) of Joplin, a daughter; Nancy Stoddard of Carthage, a brother; Virgil Hasselbring (Beverly) of Concordia, Missouri, granddaughter Amy Jasinski (Chad) of Sarcoxie and many other grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as a host of other family and friends. She will be dearly missed. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Avalon Hospice in Joplin as well as Helen's caregiver, Bea Lynch. Funeral services for Mrs. Howard are 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sarcoxie with Wil Meyer officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Sarcoxie. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2014 at the funeral home. Acting as pallbearers will be Austin Lynch, Chad Jasinski, Steve Korff, Steve Chandler, Dick Hasselbring and Britt Hasselbring. In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church of Sarcoxie which may be left at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.houshgoodwinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Missouri.