Helen L. Mietzner; Longtime Ventura Resident

Helen Leone Mietzner, a 34-year resident of Ventura whose African violets won numerous awards, died Sunday following a brief illness. She was 90.

Mietzner was born April 25, 1907, in St. Louis. She grew up in a rural part of southern Illinois, where she had what she often described as a carefree childhood. Family members recall her tales of watching the lamplighter make his rounds every evening.

When she was 19, she married Edmond Mietzner, and the couple had two children. They moved to Ventura in 1964, where Helen Mietzner became active in the County Fair, and joined the African Violet Club. She also belonged to the Realistic Art Club, where she became known for her floral miniatures.

Mietzner is survived by her brothers and sisters, Art, Kenneth, Kermit, Ronald, Dorothy and Elsie, all of Illinois; granddaughter Rebecca of Ojai; grandson Edmond of Ventura, and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura, with the Rev. Jim Wells officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.