Helen A. (Marshalek) Ruzicka, 89, of Colon, NE, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at her home in rural Colon, NE after a brief illness.  She was born October 20, 1929 in Agnew, NE to John & Helen Marshalek.

Helen married Donald Ruzicka on April 7, 1953 in Touhy, NE and they began farming together soon after.  Helen farmed alongside her husband until his death in 1992, but continued to keep an active interest in the farm, including climbing to the top of the grain bins up to age 75. She continued to live on the farm but made time for traveling and spending time with her grandkids.  Helen was a talented china painter, quilter, and loved gardening.  Her happiest times were spent outdoors tending her flowers and vegetables.  For nearly 3 decades she decorated the altars of her church with silk flowers and fresh flowers from her garden depending on the season.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 50 years, as wells as St. Anne’s Altar Society and Catholic Daughters of America.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Helen; husband, Donald; two daughters, Donna Hansen & Beverly Ruzicka; one son, Glenn Ruzicka; four brothers, Henry, Jerry, William & John Marshalek; and two sisters, Blanche Marshalek & Lillian Lucchino.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Goudie (Richard) of Elmwood; son, Douglas; sister, Pauline Hradsky of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Daniel Goudie of Ralston, NE, Nicholas Goudie of Elmwood, NE, Brooke Goudie of Elmwood, Pete Hansen of Omaha, NE; great-granddaughter, Leah Goudie of Elmwood, NE; and many nieces and nephews.