Helen Rae Proctor

Published 12:10 am Saturday, April 26, 2014

THE BALLAD OF GRANDMA HELEN

January 25, 1929 – April 8, 2014

She was the kindest person you’d ever meet, With sparkling eyes, you’d get a warm greet. Effingham, Illinois, from where she hailed, Was never the same after Helen prevailed. That’s where her reputation as “most popular girl” started,

And that was her moniker as she departed.

On to art school at Southern Illinois University, She loved creating needle art that showed diversity. Knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and sewing, Prom dresses, wedding dresses, prayer shawls kept flowing. Her presentation of counted cross stitch and lace-making still abound,

But her sock darning and mending are no longer around.

Animals of all sorts got her attention, Especially her childhood pony she rode with such intention. That led her to being a keeper of cats in her care,With those named Addie, Little Bee, Honey and Sugar Bear. Her love of animals extended to dogs, too, She had many, who loved her more than you. There was Snookie, Coquie, Raggedy Ann, and Jesse,Later on, Maggie and Tang, who were not allowed to be messy. Maggie had a hair appointment every other week, Appalling? Yes. But never of it did we speak. Grandma’s horse Flash was the true animal love of her life,

In fact, that is how she met Cliff and became his wife.

Grandpa Cliff was her soul mate and cowboy love, And everyone could see they fit like a hand in a glove. Together they roamed and ranched like westerners true,

Fencing, irrigating, riding under skies that were blue.

Back in ’49, she started her family of pearls, And seven years later, she had four girls. Sharon, Linda, Elaine and Mary, Perfect angels except when contrary. Mary, Mary, how does her garden grow? With Jack, sunshine and beautiful grandkids and flowers all in a row. Elaine, Elaine, what does she have to show? Backed by her kids Britta and Brik, Grandma’s care takers, you know. Linda, Linda how does her life go? With Sheldon and kids and grandkids, we know. Sharon and Larry, what in their life makes them glow?

Six grandkids, oh my!—Ask for their pix to show!

Helen worked for the feds for almost 50 years, And she received many commendations from her peers. Forest Service and Social Security were her businesses of choice,

She often gave those not able a voice.

In her later years, life was full of activity. Many of her endeavors live on at Lutheran Church of Nativity. For example, the Nativity Prayer Garden that she started, Is where she and Cliff were buried, after they departed. And when the church could not afford a stained glass window, She designed a 40 foot satin one, using colors of the rainbow. She started the prayer shawl ministry for those who were ailing, Knitting over 600! Her devotion was unfailing. After moving from the ranch she lived at Harmony House a bit,

And most recently moved into Bend Villa, a real fit.

She lived a life full of love and glory,

And this concludes Helen Proctor’s life’s story.

A memorial service was held Monday, April 14 at 11:00 AM at Nativity Lutheran Church, 60850 Brosterhous Road, Bend, 541-388-0765.