Helen Grace Malmquist Kettenbeil, 91, of Athens, died Sunday, May 6, 2018 at her home.
She was a native of Iron River, Michigan and longtime resident of McMinn County, and was a daughter of the late Burt and Vera Sleeman Malmquist. She was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Mary Malmquist a brother, Paul Malmquist, and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Malmquist.
Helen was a member of Mars Hill Presbyterian Church of Athens. She taught in the Etowah City School System. She was an active member of the Home Demonstration Club in Roane and McMinn Counties, an active member of the Athens YMCA, Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the Kanunsita Garden Club. She taught many people how to knit at her home and the McMinn County Senior Citizen's Center.
She was honored by The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce as Mother of the Year in 1999.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Don Kettenbeil of Athens; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Joe D. Cochran, III of Knoxville; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Donna Kettenbeil of Ten Mile; granddaughter, Grace Cochran; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Curt and Darlene Malmquist of Zephyerhills, FL and Pete and Linda Malmquist of Kingston; nieces and nephews, Molly Collins, Peter Malmquist, Paul Malmquist, Kurt Malmquist, Steve Malmquist, Kathy Ann Malmquist, Bobby Pieske, Eric Malmquist and Aran Malmquist.
A Celebration of Life service will be conducted 11:00 am, Saturday, May 12th at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church with Rev. Les Rust officiating. Following the service the family will receive friends from Noon to 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Helen's memory to Mars Hill Presbyterian Church, 205 N. Jackson Street, Athens, TN 37303.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to the Golden Touch caregivers and the Staff of Amedisys Hospice for their loving care of Helen.