GOSHEN -- Helen Schlarb, 67, died Saturday (March 6, 2010) at 6:50 a.m. after an extended illness at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.

She was born Dec. 14, 1942, in Elkhart to Gerald R. and Janet (Bulla) Kline. She married Ronald D. Schlarb on April 10, 1976, in Goshen.

He survives along with four sons, Jerry (Denise) Dawson of Elkhart, Steve Dawson of Harrisburg, Pa., Danny (Karen) Dawson of Dunlap and Rob (Crissy) Schlarb of Middlebury; two daughters, Ronda (Jon) Conner of Bristol and Shelly Habic of Elkhart; three sisters, Dottie (Steve) Gile of Elkhart, Evelyn (Denny) Rodgers of Osceola and Patty (Tom) Fletcher of Elkhart; 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many dear friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Joseph and Lonnie Dawson, and a brother, Phillip Kline.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. followed at 6 p.m. by the memorial service, to be held at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Rev. Dennis Rogers will officiate.

Mrs. Schlarb worked for many years at Joe and Eddies in Elkhart as a waitress, escorted mobile homes with her husband for 15 years and later worked at Wal-Mart in Dunlap for 10 years. She enjoyed spending time at Cass Lake during the summer, going to auctions, dancing and reading.

Contributions may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, 23971 U.S. 33, Elkhart, Ind., 46517. Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.