Helen May

Helen “Tiny” M. May, 94, of Waukon died Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 10 at Forest Mills United Methodist Church in rural Postville with Pastor Kim Gates officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements.

Helen “Tiny” Marie May was born July 13, 1927 on her parents’ farm in Post Township, rural Postville. She was the daughter of Charles, Sr. and Ruby V. (Bray) Ewing. She attended Forest Mills rural school and Waukon High School.

July 28, 1945, she married James Richard May, Sr. in Waukon. For over 20 years, Tiny was the beautician at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon. They loved to travel and in 1987, she and Jim went to Dallas, TX, where they were caretakers for Mr. and Mrs. Morton Marr. They also enjoyed wintering in Arizona.

Tiny was a lifelong member at Forest Mills United Methodist Church and held many offices in the Forest Mills Ladies Aid. She loved spending time with family and friends, entertaining and cooking for them. Tiny also enjoyed reading, collecting antiques and refinishing furniture.

She is survived by her children: James Richard May, Jr. of Fayetteville, NC, John Charles May of La Crosse, WI, and Sandra Ann Hester and Haley May, both of Milford, TX; two daughters-in-law, Donna Lonning and Janet May; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Tiny was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim, in 1997; a son, Ronald May; a daughter-in-law, Pam; and her siblings: Willis, Harry, Arthur, Charles Jr., Kenneth (Margaret) Ewing, Keith (Joan) Ewing and Ruth (Keith) Bloxham.

Casketbearers were James R. May, III, John Curtis May, Zachary Zoll, Craig May, Auston May and Doug Ewing.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.