Helen Elizabeth Cook Kutach, 90, was born on October 11, 1915 in Speaks, Texas to Charley C. and Mary Cook. She was raised in Speaks and attended school in Speaks as well. After graduation, she attended Southwest Texas State University, McMurray College in Abilene, and The University of Houston and obtained both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education.

On May 24, 1943, Helen Cook was joined in marriage to Otto J. Kutach. Private First Class Otto Kutach died on June 22, 1944 in France during World War II. Helen remained lovingly devoted to him and his memory and never remarried.

Helen was a member of the Speaks Baptist Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville.

She taught school in Jackson county for a total of 41 years, the majority of which was at Edna Jr. High School. She taught English and History and teaching was her greatest passion. She retired in 1983 and became an active member of the Jackson County Retired Teachers Association and served as Treasurer and Vice-President until health problems kept her from attending meetings.

After retirement she resided in Speaks and established many hobbies which she thoroughly enjoyed. She raised laying hens, Mallard ducks, and a plethora of Cats. She kept the most beautiful yard in the community which was full of flowers of every sort, and she grew gardens in both fall and spring. Helen is survived by her Nieces and Nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, several great-great nieces and nephews, and even a great-great-great- nephew and niece. She had seen 5 generations of her family be born and felt she was blessed because of this.

She was preceded in death by: husband; parents; 3-sisters, one at infancy, Annie French, and Linnie Clark.

Service: 10am, Friday, May 19, 2006 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation: Noon, Thursday at Kubena Funeral Home, with family receiving visitors between 6pm to 8pm that evening. Rosary: 9:30am, Friday at Sacred Heart Church. Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Memorials: can be made in Helen's name to the Edna's Athletic Booster Club. Pallbearers: Jack Heath Jr., Grady Clark, Gerald Brownson, William Bradbury, Darrell Cihal, and David Fenner. Honorary Pallbearers: Timothy Golden, Rodney Brownson, Richard O. Clark, Major Barnes Jr., Ricky Fenner, and All Nieces and Nephews.