Kill Devil Hills- Helen J. Pitsch, 87, of Kill Devil Hills, died June 1, 2010, at Outer Banks Hospital. She was born July 9, 1922, at Magnolia, IL, the daughter of the late Vera Allen Hefner and the late Elbert J. Hefner.

Survived by her husband, the Rev. Robert Pitsch of the home, they were married in their home church September 6, 1943, in Peoria, IL. Three daughters were born to the couple. They are Judith A. Williams (Richard) of Wynnewood, PA; Christine M. Lively (R.Mitchell) of Nags Head, NC; and Paula J. Saban (William) of Schaumburg, IL. Each daughter and spouse have two children giving the couple six grandchildren. They are Abigail Williams of New York City; Benjamin Lively of Nags Head, NC; Joshua Williams of Havertown, PA; Hannah Lively of Alexandria, VA; Emily Saban of Schaumburg, IL; and Grace Saban of Schaumburg, IL. Mrs. Pitsch is also survived by a sister, Sharonlee Burmeister of Perry, MI.

Mrs. Pitsch was a strong support for her husband in their ministry as they served United Methodist churches in Illinois and Colington, NC. A devoted homemaker, she taught Sunday School, cheerfully and capably working with her husband, especially where children were concerned, in the churches they served. Mrs. Pitsch received her higher education at Kendall College and Eureka College. For a number of years she taught special education in public schools.

 The family will receive friends at the Gallop Funeral Services Chapel, 6917 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Thursday June 3, 2010. A Christian Service of Death and Resurrection will be held at Colington United Methodist Church, Friday, June, 4, 2010, at 10AM. The Reverend Spotswood Graves will officiate.

For those desiring to give memorials for Helen, the family will appreciate contributions to either Interfaith Community Outreach (2 Juniper Trail, Southern Shores, NC 27949) or The Outer Banks Emergency Relief Foundation, Inc. (PO Box 545, Nags Head, NC 27959).