As life would happen, a fall brought the difficult end to a wonderful life here on earth. Helen’s fondest memories are the times spent growing up with her cousins, Dorothy Dierke Ayres, John Dierke, Jim Dierke and David Dierke, in San Francisco and Sebastopol. At an early age Helen learned to play the piano. Her love of travel led her to Europe, Hawaii, Australia, Alaska and Mexico. She loved to garden, paint and care for her three dogs Nacho, Peanut and Juju Bee. Helen was also a volunteer at the local hospital.
Helen received her Registered Nursing degree from Chabot College in the East Bay. The love and compassion for the elderly led her to convalescent care in the East Bay area of California. Helen retired from the medical field as The Director of Nursing. A decade ago she became a member of the Escalon, California Christian Reformed Church.
Helen was preceded in death by the love of her life, Casey Jones, her son David Ellis, and parents Dr. George and Helen Arvonen. Her Uncle and Aunt James and Dorothy Dierke and Dr. Eugene and Ingrid Skelley. Helen’s survivors include her brother Dr. Paul and Lorraine Arvonen of Chico, CA., daughters Tina Ellis of Valley Springs, Ca., Jackie (Derek) George of Oakdale, Ca., Dawn Jones and Kelly Weller of Spring, Texas, Janis Ross of Springfield, Oregon, Karen Jones of Texas, her grandchildren Felicia Bridges, Christina Krupsky, Jamie VanderSchaaf, Jessica Van Vliet, Evan Kendrick, Brandon George, Karin Neely, James Weller, Christopher Ross, Matthew Ross, Joshua Simmons, Johnathan Ellis, Jorgina Teles, Jasmine Jenkins and 20 great grandchildren, as well as, her nieces, nephews, cousins and her “Sis” Delia (Ramon) Esslinger. Helen would want all of you to: Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow, Live Today. A celebration of her life to be scheduled at a later date.
“To live in the hearts of those who love you is not to die.”
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
May 9, 2018