Hellen Meaker Murphy Mapes

Hellen Meaker Murphy Mapes



Hellen Meaker Murphy Mapes passed away peacefully at her home Monday April 6th. She was born in Reno, NV May 27th, 1923 at Saint Mary's hospital. She was the daughter of Reginald and Elsie Heward Meaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband H. Dale Murphy and second husband Charles W. Mapes, as well as her older sister Patty. She is survived by her younger brother Reginald Meaker, daughter Morgan Murphy Zack (Gordon), grandson Weston Zack, niece Victoria Benbow, nephews Scott and Mark Meaker and their families.

Hellen grew up on a ranch in Gerlach, NV. Because of the Great Depression, her family moved to Reno to live with relatives when she was seven years old. She attended Mount Rose Elementary school, Billinghurst Middle School, Reno High School, and was graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1945 with a degree in psychology. Hellen was a member of the Phi Beta Phi sorority and was Homecoming Queen as well.

After graduation she married H. Dale Murphy and they moved to San Francisco, CA where he attended the University of San Francisco Law School. During this time she worked at I Magnins as a model. They later returned to Reno, where Dale continued his law practice. Hellen returned to the University of Nevada art department throughout the 1960's where she enjoyed painting and helped students start their art careers. She and Dale divorced in 1961. Hellen married Charles W. Mapes in 1974, builder and owner of the Mapes Hotel. They enjoyed hosting celebrities and locals alike in the world famous Sky Room until the hotels unfortunate closing.

Hellen was a true Nevadan and she had a tremendous love of the outdoors. She and Charles spent many weekends at Wolf Creek Meadows on horseback. They participated in the California Indians Trap shooting events over the years. She was an avid golfer and enjoyed her memberships at Hidden Valley Country Club and Bermuda Dunes Country Club in Palm Desert, CA. She and Charles traveled extensively and the only trip she didn't like was the one she didn't take. Hellen was a true lady and was ever glamorous. She will be sorely missed especially by her grandson Weston Zack. We would especially like to thank her loving care givers Mark Fischer, Cathy Evanson, Stephanie Hogan, and Ida Jacobs for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the Nevada Museum of Art.

There will be a memorial service Thursday April 22, 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Island Avenue, Reno, NV. A reception will follow. The family invites you to share a thought, memory, or condolence message in the family guestbook at the website www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.