Helen Randles

Helen (Steenbergen) RANDLES Helen (Steenbergen) Randles, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, at Cristwood Nursing Center in Shoreline, Washington. She was a loving mother, wife and friend. Many will miss her. Helen was born Sept. 26, 1915, in Yakima, Washington, to Joseph and Sue Steenbergen. She was the oldest of five children. The family later moved to Bellingham and then to Seattle where she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1933. She graduated from Linfield College in 1938 with a BA degree in English. Helen was a member of Sigma Kappa Phi sorority. She entered the teaching profession and her first job was in Baker, Oregon. Helen married James L. Randles in 1940. World War II caused prolonged separation from her husband, who was a commissioned naval officer stationed in the Pacific theater. After the war, she assisted her husband in his work, first as an owner of a north Seattle pharmacy and then as owner of Randles Agency, a company specializing in drugstore insurance. Later, Helen became a reading tutor and taught at Bush and Lakeside Schools'. She was a 50-year life member of the Daughters of the Nile and a life member of the Washington State Pharmacy Association Women's Auxiliary. She resided in Seattle's Sand Point area from 1950 until 1999 when she moved to the Cristwood Retirement Community in Shoreline, Washington. Helen led an active life. She was a passionate reader and always made interesting recommendations. Helen enjoyed water aerobics, genealogy, bridge, crossword puzzles, National Public Radio, going out to breakfast, anything chocolate and good coffee. Helen and her husband, Jim, took many trips to the coast for camping, fishing, and beachcombing. Trips to Hawaii gave them a break from the Northwest winters. Helen's special place was the family beach cabin on Whidbey Island. After Jim's death in 1985, she traveled the world. Images of Europe, Korea, China, South America and several North American Elderhostel trips were in her photo collection. Her daughter Roberta (Robin) Randles and husband Ed Orsborn of Shoreline, Washington, and son James (Jamie) Randles and wife Melinda of Mount Vernon, Washington, survive Helen. Her special friend, Carol Mockridge, will miss her dearly along with a host of relatives and friends who blessed her life. Preceding her in death were her husband James L. Randles and her four siblings Ruth Hallstrom, Noreen Rowland, Alene Earing and Ted Steenbergen. The family would like to acknowledge the kind and professional care Helen received from the Cristwood Nursing Center staff. At Helen's request, there will be no service. Remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the care of People's Memorial Funeral Cooperative.