JOANNE HELM
December 18, 1930 ~ February 13, 2014
Joanne Helm, 83, passed away Feb. 13, 2014 in Vancouver, WA. She was born in Lewiston, MT on Dec. 18, 1930, the fourth child of Dewey and Ruth Kitchell. The first five years of Joanne's life were spent in Montana and then a short stay in Idaho until the family settled in Vancouver, WA, where she remained. Joanne graduated from the old Union High School in 1949.
After graduation, she went to work for the telephone company and Jantzen Knitting Mills. After four years of employment with Jantzen, she took a six-year leave of absence to raise her two boys. She later put her administrative skills back to work for Market Transport, Domestic Gas, Clark County P.U.D., and Subaru of America where she retired in 1993.
In 1952, Joanne married Manuel "Manny" Helm and spent 54 wonderful years with him until his death in 2006. She played an active part in Manny's civic and political life and was always by his side campaigning, entertaining, and supporting his endeavors. She was also an active member of the Lady Jaycess's and the Mt. Adams Emblem Club.
Joanne enjoyed golfing, travel, attending family celebrations, monthly lunch dates with friends, dining out with family, and cheering on her favorite sports teams, the Seahawks and Mariners.
Joanne is survived by her sons, John Helm of Chehalis, WA and David Helm of Camas, WA; grandchildren, Niccole (Terry) Wollam of Vancouver, WA and Megan Helm of Chehalis, WA; great-grandchildren, Blake, Trenton, Mya, and Chase Wollam of Vancouver, WA; sister, Jeanne (Mike) Werner of Copalis Crossing, WA; brother, James (Mickey) Kitchell of Boulder City, NV; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Ruth Kitchell; her two sisters, Gayle Pietrzykowski and Virginia Taylor; and her husband, Manuel Helm.
Viewing will be on Wed., Noon-9:00 p.m., Feb. 19, 2014 and Thurs., 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Feb. 20, 2014 with a funeral service to take place on Fri., Feb. 21, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, with a reception immediately following at the Vancouver Elks Lodge.
Please sign her guestbook at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave,
We were very sorry to hear about Joanne's death. Joanne was a wonderful woman and we enjoyed her company. We love you and are here for whatever you need. Love the Reese's
February 21, 2014
Joanne sparkled with a zest and love for life. I appreciated reconnecting with her after so many years. Her phone calls were appreciated and fun. A great lady who will be missed. My deepest and sincerest sympathies to David, John, Jim, Jeanne and families.
Ken Riemenschneider
February 19, 2014
David and John Donna and I were so sorry to hear Joanne'S passing Her and Manny, were a special part of our life as you and John were We still miss the Labor day get tpgathers and the Faculty punch. All our love to all of the family Bob and Donna
Bob Cardon
February 19, 2014
My heartfelt prayers to JoAnne's family. I wish you joyful memories in the midst of your grief. One of the Montana cousins, Candy Shelton Nelson
Candy Nelson
February 19, 2014
Dave, I am sorry for your loss. Your love for your mother sets the standard. Hang in there, buddy.
Adron Neill
February 19, 2014
My dear sister there are.not words enough to express my feelings of loss. It doesn't seem right Witt you being gone. You're baby sister Jeanne..
Jeanne Werner
February 18, 2014
We are so sorry to learn of Joanne's death. She was a beloved cousin and she will be missed. She was always a joy to be around.
Tom McIntosh
February 18, 2014
Always smiling and a heart of gold. You will be missed by all who knew you Aunt Jo!
Melissa Brewer
February 18, 2014
Mom I loved you so very much. You were my rock. I know life goes on but my life will certainly be different without you there. Love Dave
Dave Helm
February 18, 2014
To the family of Joanne Helm,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Joanne was a bright light here in Indian Hills.
Becky Wong
February 17, 2014
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