Helen Knauth McBurney Beloof, Omi as she was endearingly known to her family, passed away on Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. She was born June 18, 1934 in Chicago, IL, to Sarah and Otto Knauth, the first of seven children.

Helen was a lifelong teacher with special interest in teaching reading and nontraditional students. She had many civic passions throughout her life, including the League of Women Voters, philanthropy toward women in Forsyth County, NC, and people of developing nations. She was always an active member in her church, most recently Highland Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Helen had many hobbies including traveling, reading, exploring the arts, cooking and gardening.

Mrs. Beloof is survived by her mother, Sarah Knauth, of Watseka, IL; three children, Edith McBurney and fianc, Wallace Jones, of Lexington, KY, Susan McBurney and husband, Rick Weavil, of Winston-Salem and Scott McBurney and wife, Kara, of Greensboro, NC; six brothers and sisters, Karl Knauth (wife Joyce), Louise Knauth, Kurt Knauth (wife Betty), Kenneth Knauth (wife Becky), Ruth Marcis (husband Wally) and Marie Bittner (husband Bill) and 13 cherished grandchildren: Katy, Drew, Austin, Alex, Rachel, Will, Emily, Jessie, Emma, Robby, Karen, Liam and Spencer. She was preceded in death by two husbands, James H. McBurney, Ph.D., and Robert L. Beloof, Ph.D. Helen enjoyed many friendships, with special relationships with Jim Hults, Peggy Dunlap and Jean Crawford. We will miss her zest for life and sense of humor.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, 2 p.m., at Highland Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highland Presbyterian Church, 2380 Cloverdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.