Jan. 20, 1925 - Dec. 27, 2009INDIANAPOLIS - Helen A. Runnels, 84, of Indianapolis, IN (formerly of New Carlisle, IN), passed away at 10:01 p.m. Sunday, December 27, 2009, in her home. She was born on January 20, 1925, to the late Charles and Nora (Wilkinson) Napier in Williamsville, MO, and had lived in New Carlisle since 1936, before moving to Indianapolis in 2007. Along with her parents, one sister, Virginia Keit, three brothers, Arthur and Floyd Napier and Leo Noakes, also preceded her in death. On August 15, 1942, as Helen A. Napier, she married Harold "Pete" Runnels. He met his Lord on April 29, 1996. She graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1941. Mrs. Runnels worked as a secretary for New Carlisle/New Prairie High School for over 20 years. For 10 years after she retired from the school, many knew her as the Avon Lady. In her very early years as a young married woman she worked for the Conservative Life Insurance Company in South Bend and then became the bookkeeper for the Olive Township Trustee Office. Helen is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Rich) Bryant of Bristol, IN; her son, Harold "Paul" (Susan) Runnels of North Carolina; eight grandchildren, Wendy (Chris) Whitmore of Indianapolis, IN; Rachel Shepherd of Indianapolis, IN; Caleb, Paul and Mike Bryant of Bristol, IN, Jessica Runnels of California, Jill (Mike) Henderson of California, and Erica (Lynn) Miller of Tennessee; and three great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Megan Whitmore, and Madison Shepherd. Mrs. Runnels was an active community member of New Carlisle. She served the United Methodist Church in New Carlisle, IN, for over 50 years, the Delta Beta Phi Sigma Chapter in New Carlisle, and the New Carlisle Alumni Committee. Helen loved her flower gardens. Memorial services will be held at noon Saturday, February 20, in the United Methodist Church, 300 Compton Street; New Carlisle, IN 46552. Visitation will be the same day from 11 a.m. - noon. Immediately following the service all are invited to come to a luncheon in the church. Burial will be after the luncheon at Olive Chapel Cemetery on Timothy Road. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, 300 Compton Street, New Carlisle, IN 46552; or "Bendix Woods County Park Pete Runnels Memorial Fund." Kaniewski Funeral Home, New Carlisle, IN, is handling arrangements. To send on line condolences, please visit www.kaniewskicares.com.