On April 22, 2021, Dr. Will D. Carpenter lost his lovely wife of 61 years, Hellen. Mrs. Carpenter had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years, but finally succumbed to the illness surrounded in love by her family.

Hellen Evelyn Dodd Carpenter was born in Dallas, Texas on August 14, 1932. Dr. and Mrs. Carpenter met at the Monsanto Company in St. Louis, where she was a secretary, and he was a Research Chemist.

Hellen Carpenter had the distinction of being the granddaughter of the man who invented the game of basketball, Dr. James Naismith. Sportswriter, Rob Rains wrote “James Naismith: The Man Who Invented Basketball,” incorporating the valuable information provided him by Hellen, and, with her assistance..

A memorial service will be held for Hellen Carpenter at Bohnomme Presbyterian Church, 14820 Conway Road, Chesterfield, MO, (636)-532-3486, on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. in the Church Commons Area, to be followed by the Service at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Masks will be required. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the organization or church of the donor’s choice.