Helen Regier Hanes
Helen Regier Hanes, age 98 of Ruston, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 21, 2021, following a brief illness.
Helen was born February 7, 1922, in Newton, KS, to Jacob and Helene Regier. She graduated from Newton High School and the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. She married Leonard Hanes in June 1944.
Together, they spent a lifetime of ministry as missionaries, first in Colombia, South America, and then for over 45 years at the Rio Grande Bible Institute and College in Edinburg, TX.
Helen especially enjoyed her time working at Radio Esperanza, KOIR 88.5 FM, a radio station owned by RGBI. She had an amazing linguistic ability and was fluent in English, Spanish and her childhood language of German. She continued reading her daily devotionals in these languages until her death.
After retiring in 2008, she moved to Ruston, LA, to be closer to her family. She soon became involved in a Sunday School class at First Baptist Church, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Her attending this class led to many cherished friendships. Helen also served as a Spanish Sunday School teacher and mentor at her beloved Spanish Baptist Church in Vienna, LA.
She loved baking homemade German breads and desserts, which her family enjoyed immensely. She maintained treasured friendships via frequent phone calls and correspondence with her friends and faithful supporters.
Her greatest moments of joy were the frequent opportunities she was given to share her lifelong love and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Helen was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, her husband Leonard and her oldest son Lyman.
Helen is survived by daughter Eileen Garbarino Morton and husband Dr. Mark Morton of Muleshoe, TX; son Norman L. Hanes and wife Georgeanna of Ruston, LA.; and son Gordon P. Hanes and wife Dianne of Shreveport, LA. She was blessed to have eight grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren during her lifetime.
Private family graveside services will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made in her memory to Radio Esperanza, c/o Rio Grande Bible Institute, 4300 S. Bus. Hwy 281, Edinburg, TX 78539.
Helen’s family wishes to express gratitude for the care given by Tender Touch Caregiving Service and Professional Hospice Care of Ruston.
Online condolences at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
