Mildred Louise Kalar Efaw

Mrs. Mildred Louise Kalar Efaw, wife of the late Dr. Mel Efaw, went to be with the Lord on November 7, 2013. The daughter of James and Dessa Kalar, she was born in Belmont, Ohio on March 28th, 1915. Her father died when she was just a toddler and God sent into her life a loving and beloved step-father, Roy J. (Pop) Helms, a man who became as close to the whole family as any blood relative. She graduated from Belmont High School and subsequently moved with her family to Barnesville, Ohio, where she worked for two years until her marriage to her high school sweetheart, Mel, on August 15, 1937, in Huntington. They were a wonderful team for over 70 years until his death on November 12, 2007. She was a charter member of Grace Gospel Church and was the quintessential pastor's wife for over 45 years. She served as church secretary, choir member, Sunday School and VBS teacher, cook at church camp, radio music group member and hostess for countless pastors, missionaries and Christian workers. She shunned the limelight but ministered behind the scenes with a selfless, humble spirit and a true servant's heart. As a wife and mother, she always put her family first and was a model for other women and mothers. She was always there for her family and members of the congregation. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Helms and her sister, Fern Tamberello. She is survived by a daughter, Suzanne Blake (Randy) of Huntington; a son Jim (Susan) of Denver, Colorado; and a brother, Don Helms, Green Valley, Arizona. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Robin Efaw Ralston (Craig) of Tampa, Fla.; Col. Andrew Efaw (Amy) of Denver, Colorado; Lt. Col. Jamie Efaw (Allison) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Erin Efaw Frank (Scot) of Denver, Colorado; Benjamin Efaw of Denver, Colorado; Jennifer Blake Pratt (David) of Milton, WV and Jeff Blake (Kerry) of Huntington. Also 16 great grandchildren. Services will be held at Grace Gospel Church at noon on Saturday November 16, 2013 with Pastor Jim Efaw and Pastor Keith Wiebe officiating. Burial will follow at Rome Cemetery, Rome, Ohio. Friends may call from 11 am until service time Saturday at Grace Gospel Church. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the caring staff of Grayson Assisted Living. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts should be sent to the Missions Fund at Grace Gospel Church. Reger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com.