Obituary: Helm, Helen
Age 90
(Tullock) (Age 90)
Passed away August 11, 2012 at Clare Bridge of Spokane.
Helen was born on September 24, 1921 at home on the farm which was 11 miles south of Kahlotus, Washington.
She was the middle child of three children (sister Nancy and brother Tommy) born to Thomas Harvey Tullock and Theodora Velma Tilton Tullock.
She had an older stepsister, Claudia and stepbrother, Clayton, born to Theodora and Charles Marlin who died in 1918.
Helen graduated from Kahlotus High School in 1940.
Helen started working in 1941 as a telephone operator in Seattle, Washington.
She met, dated, and then married Harry C. Helm April 21, 1950.
They were happily married until his death in 1987.
They lived in Seattle until moving to Spokane, Washington where they lived on Mission Avenue for a number of years.
They moved to farm property out of Cheney, Washington between 1982 and 1987, eventually selling that and moving back to Spokane into a home with a beautiful view of the Spokane River which Helen thoroughly enjoyed.
She had a “front row” seat of the runners in the Bloomsday Run.
She loved people and sharing her gift of hospitality which was given to many people over the years.
She would prepare a large amount of food almost every day, often not knowing who would be there to enjoy it, but every time people would come to visit, partake of the delicious food, and enter into the lively conversation.
She was constantly giving and doing for others making family and friends feel welcome and loved.
Helen went from being a telephone operator in Seattle to being a top sales woman for the Bon Marche in downtown Spokane for many years, and then to being a sales woman for Sears Catalog in Cheney.
She loved helping customers and gave them the best customer service possible.
Harry was very active in the German American Society Choir and organization, so she joined him as an active supporter volunteering numerous hours in various capacities for many years.
Helen loved to travel especially to Australia, Canada, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Arkansas, Oregon and to see family and friends.
In the last days before her death Helen found great comfort in fun family songs, prayer, scripture, and hymns.
Helen is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry, stepsister Claudia, stepbrother Clayton, brother Tommy, and sister Nancy.
The family is grateful to the staff of Clare Bridge of Spokane, and the staff of Hospice of Spokane for their great care of Helen.
Arrangements are being handled by HAZEN & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, 1306 NORTH MONROE STREET, SPOKANE, WA.
There will be a viewing on Saturday, August 25, 2012 from 10:00 to 10:50 am at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home with the funeral following at 11:00.
A graveside service will be held at 3:30 pm at the Endicott Cemetery, Endicott, WA.
Memorial contributions may be made to Endicott Cemetery, PO Box #71, Endicott, WA 99125, or to the German American Society, 25 West 3rd Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201.