Helen Sizemore

Helen Sizemore, age 87, died peacefully at Ambassador Health Care November 30th, 2022, following a long battle with diabetes and kidney complications.

Born August 12, 1935, in Albany, Kentucky to Bruce and Edna Marsh, Helen’s early childhood was spent in Cincinnati, Ohio where she graduated from Samual Ach Jr. High (1951) followed by graduation with honors at Hughes High School (1954). The following three years were spent at the Good Samaritan Hospital of Radiological Technology. It was at Good Samaritan, while instructing and assisting a new student, she was introduced to patient Robert Sizemore (a decorated Veteran of the Korean War currently attending the University of Cincinnati) and six months later married on April 11, 1957. In 1961, the Sizemores moved to Richmond where Helen became the instructor for the first Reid Hospital Radiology Technician Licensing Program and was very proud when Reid’s first class of students passed the state test. Helen returned to Reid Hospital as the Director of Volunteer Services in 1973. Helen considered her directorship of Reid’s Volunteer services a major accomplishment; the programs and department grew and improved with the combined efforts of dedicated volunteers and support from Reid administration. At her retirement, she left behind a program with 600 much appreciated and respected volunteers between the ages of 14 and 80. In addition to Helen’s volunteer department responsibilities, she implemented other programs for the hospital employees…a hobby fair, craft show, non-smoking program, safety poster contests, and a special volunteer opportunity for employees. This diversity caught the attention of the administration, and the Security Department was added to her responsibilities. Professionally, Helen was always willing to share her ideas and programs with other volunteer leaders, volunteers, and hospitals. She was a board member for the Indiana Society of Volunteer Directors and The American Society of Volunteer Directors. In these positions she advocated the need for standards for directors and volunteers that were, in time, officially accepted by American Hospital Directors of Volunteers. In addition, she authored and published articles on volunteer programs and leadership for The National Volunteer Leader and The Volunteer Services Administrator. Helen also authored a children’s hospital pre-admission puppet play “ You Too Can Be an Expert” and was a presenter at many volunteer conventions. In recognition of these efforts, she received the American Hospital Association National Award for Professional Achievement in 1984, the 1989 Fellow Award for Achievement in the Field of Volunteerism, and in 1989, The American Society of Volunteer Services Writers Completion.

In the community, starting in 1961, Helen became an active member and volunteer for Richmond Civic Theatre where she served in various committees and as actor, director, Vice President, and President of both Richmond Civic Theatre and RCT Junior Players. In 1972, Helen and her board were credited with re-establishing Junior Players. She also was a recipient of acting and directing awards. In addition to RCT, Helen served on the United Way Board and Retired Senior Volunteer Program Board and was a member of the original committee to establish the battered Women’s Shelter and the RSVP Board. Helen also participated in the Richmond Rose Festivals, and was co-founder, director, and producer of The Great American Tent Show Company. Helen also served on the Wayne County Health Fair Board for 7 years and was a Leadership Wayne County program presenter in 1980 -1981. Helen was a member of Indiana Governor’s Conference on Citizen Involvement and State Committee for Non-Smoking Policy 1985. Helen was also an elected member of the Richmond Community School Board (1990 – 1994). In recognition of her community services, Helen was designated an Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash (1989). Helen also enjoyed gardening, reading, and watching her old “cowboy” movies.

Family survivors include her son Robert M. Sizemore, Jr. (Debby) Richmond IN, brother Donald B. Marsh (Rogene) of Glen Ellyn IL, Grandchildren Nicholas R. Sizemore (Lyndi) of Hillard, OH, Shaun M. Sizemore (Brittany) of West Carrollton, OH, Gerek M. Crabtree, and step-grandchildren Joshua and Lindsay McDonald. Great-Grandchildren Madilyn and Aiden Sizemore and Landon and Macy Crabtree. Nieces and Nephews: Gordon E. Marsh, Donna Sue Highfeld, Tracy and Eric Marsh, and devoted friends: Patricia Jane Patton, Debra and Daniel Norris, Darlene Druley, Lisa and Eric Burkhardt, JoAnn Marsh, Sue Dalby, and Leslie and John Lape. Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Robert M. Sizemore Sr., Daughter Julia Dawson, Brother Gordon L. Marsh, Sister in Law Judy Marsh, and Grandson Logan H. Crabtree. Recognition is given to the dedicated care of her doctors, Reid Health, and Ambassador Health Care.

There will be no public services or visitation. Memories and Condolences may be sent to the family at Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary Inc. at www.rigglewaltermann.com . Private services and interment will be arranged at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Reid Hospital Foundation.