Helen Heffner Atkins, 90, of Walkersville died Friday July 19, 2013, at Heartfields of Frederick. She was the wife of the late Searle Thomas Atkins, whom she shared over 50 years of marriage. She was born July 24,1922 in Jefferson, Maryland and was the daughter of the late Walter and Bessie Heffner. She worked for the Frederick Unemployment Office until she retired after 30 years. She was the oldest living member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Utica and was a dedicated member of the Utica Lutheran Women's League for over 60 years. Helen is survived by one daughter Linda A. Free and husband Parker of Walkersville, three grandchildren Christine E. Souders and husband David of Leesburg, VA, Diana F. DiRubbo of Syracuse, NY and Brian P. Free of Lewistown, and two great granddaughters Madison Souders and Ava DiRubbo. She was predeceased in death by her brother Paul Heffner. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7p.m., on Tuesday July 23, 2013, at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home 106 E Church Street in Frederick. Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Wednesday, July 24th , in the Etchison Memorial Chapel of the funeral home. The Rev. Bert Lane, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Utica, will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. Being a cancer survivor and animal lover, the family requests memorial contributions be made to, Frederick Regional Cancer Center, Patient Assistance Care Program, 501 West Seventh Street, Frederick MD 21701 or to the Humane Society of Frederick County, 5712-D Industry Lane, Frederick, MD 21704 Online condolences may be shared with the family at keeneybasford.com.
