Bethany, MO: On January 2nd we lost our dear Mother, Helen Helton at the age of 87. She had battled Alzheimer’s for too many years. But there was always joy in her heart, hugs in her arms, and shared smiles to light up the room. She was blessed to be able to enjoy living the last several months with her sister Francis at a memory care facility in St. Joseph. It was heartwarming having them together, as they watched over each other daily.
Her family was at her side when she left us. She will be missed dearly by Harold Helton, her husband of over 37 years, her children, Randy Ward and Lisa Ward, her daughter-in-law Stacey Ward, and grandson Ian Ward. Mother’s folks, her sister Nina, and her son Richard, had all left us many years ago.
Helen entered Harrison County on the Fall day of October 28th, 1936. She spent her life in Bethany, Mo. graduating with her beloved Class of ’54 with whom she enjoyed many a reunion. During her working years she enjoyed providing in-home daycare for many families in the area when we were young, she then shared co-owning and operating Skip’s Place in Bethany in the 70’s and 80’s.She followed that adventure by managing the Bethany One Stop for over 20 years, where she greeted early risers with fresh donuts and hot coffee daily.
Her parents, Roy and Mamie Bell farmed North of Bethany when Helen was growing up, with her sisters Francis Brooke and Nina Rawls. During the early years she enjoyed camping with a large group of friends and their families. She always loved attending area Fairs and many regional live music events, Her father Roy was an original investor in what is now the Northwest Missouri State Fair. She also truly enjoyed the occasional treat of a few days in Branson – taking in the many shows and performances.
Your Hug Meant the World –
Nobody else held me so tight,
Or made me feel so right.
No one’s eyes shined so bright with love,
As my Mom, who is now Above.
– Tamsen Butler
Helen has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Friends and acquaintances will be welcomed at a Celebration of Life this Spring at the Bethany United Methodist Church where she was an active member for over 50 years, enjoying the fellowship of her women’s groups and her many friends in the congregation. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethany Animal Shelter in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com