HELEN B. CASTO

HELEN B. CASTO

PIQUA – Helen Bernice (Wright) Casto, 93, of Piqua, died peacefully in her sleep on October 23, 2021, at Brookdale Assisted Living. 

Helen is survived by her sons, Mark Casto and daughter-in-law Christine (Marden) Casto; Mike Casto and daughter-in-law Donna (Seas) Casto; Marshall “Charlie” Casto and partner Karen Mcbryde; her daughter, Melora “Millie” (Casto) White and son-in-law Mark White, her grandchildren, Leah (Ed) Hayes; Matt (Lindsay) Wyan; Kelly (Jason) Hart; Casey (Brandon) Virgallito; Nathan (Michelle) Casto; Trevor (Heather) Casto; Derek (Abby) Casto; Mindi (Neilson) Hixson; Amiee (Joe) Fulker; Josh (Sarah) Casto; 26 great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Casto in July 1990; their son, Mitch Casto in January 1981; and her brother, Edward Wright in April 2013.

Daughter of Walter Wright and Lena (Kemper) Wright, Helen was born in an oil field in Seminole, Oklahoma, on November 25, 1927 where her father, a geologist, was drilling for oil.  She grew up in Spencer West Virginia, where she attended high school and started dating Gene, who would later become her husband.  She later attended Alderson-Broaddus College in Phillippi, West Virginia and was enrolled in the College of Nursing and a member of the Phi Kappa Delta Sorority. 

Helen and Gene married on June 9, 1947 in Andalusia, Alabama and lived in Florida near Eglin Air Force Base where Gene was stationed in the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC).   After leaving the USAAC, they moved back to West Virginia where Gene attended Marietta College and started their family with the birth of their first son, Mitch.  Soon after graduating, Gene started his career in scouting which lead them to the Miami Valley as he took on the role of Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts of America in Dayton, Ohio.  

Helen dedicated her life to her husband, her family, and her Church with one of her favorite sayings being “Love is spelled T-I-M-E”.  Early on, she was involved in Scouting, served as a Troup Leader and helped Gene with various aspects of his Scouting Career utilizing her creativity and artistic talents in support of various Scouting events. She also created handmade costumes and stage props for the many plays that her children were involved in during their school years. 

Later in life, she volunteered countless hours as a deaconess at Piqua Baptist Church.  She lead the flower and decorating committee for many years there and was presented the “You are an Eagle” Award in 2003, for “making things happen” and “adding value to people’s lives”.  She was also presented the “Church Worker of Distinction” award by the Piqua Kiwanis Club in 2004. 

Helen loved spending time with her friends and loved to travel.  She spent time in Alaska, New England, and most of the southern states.  She was very civic minded and loved giving back to her community.  She volunteered for many years at the Johnston Farm historical site and received an award for outstanding volunteer achievement.  She was a charter representative of the Boy Scouts of America - Troup 76.  In 1992 she was presented the Inaugural Gene Casto Memorial Teepee award by Ohio Governor, George V. Voinovich for her role in promoting the spirit of Scouting. She was also a member of the Good News Club, where she worked with students at the former Wilder Intermediate School in an effort to promote positivity. 

Helen’s love and selflessness impacted many lives and she gave 100% in all she did.  She will be greatly missed. 

A service to honor her life will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Piqua Baptist Church with Pastor Donald R. Wells officiating. Burial will follow at Miami Memorial Park, Covington. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Piqua Baptist Church, 1402 W. High St., Piqua, OH 45356. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com.

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