Helen Fay Crabtree

Helen Fay (Neal) Crabtree, 84, of New Castle passed away Saturday, May 5, 2017 at The Waters of New Castle. She was born February 22, 1934 in Nancy, Kentucky to the late Clyde C. and Catherine Bell (Pierce) Neal.

Helen graduated from Spiceland High School in 1952. She worked at SS Kresge’s, New Castle State Hospital, Parker Elementary and the New Castle Courier Times. After retirement, she was an active volunteer at local nursing homes and senior living facilities. Helen attended Grace Baptist Church and her special mission was to bring love and hope to those not able to attend church services. Helen enjoyed gardening and caring for her flowers. Helen also enjoyed traveling and shopping. Her favorite vacations were anywhere with a beach. She especially enjoyed a trip she took to Greece to visit her grandchildren, Adam and Brandie. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren played a very important role in her life. She was proud of her family and loved talking about them and showing their photographs to others.

Helen is survived by two children, Russell Eugene “Gene” (wife: Pam) Crabtree and Kathy Elaine (Crabtree) Watterson both of New Castle; grandchildren, Adam (wife: Brandie) Crabtree of Jonesborough, Tennessee, Jared (wife: Elizabeth) Crabtree of Greenfield, Kristen Watterson, Nathan Watterson both of New Castle; great grandchildren, Emily, Adalyn, Abigail, Jonathan, Allyson and Mackensley; siblings, Dorothy Lee and Chester Neal.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Crabtree; granddaughter, Sara Watterson; and a brother, Henry Neal.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastors Denny Neal and Adam Crabtree officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share a memory of Helen at www.hinsey-brown.com .