Lori Elliott Hellenthal

Our sweet Lori was born in Pasadena, California in 1947. Her family moved north and ended up in Santa Cruz during her high school years. Later in life, she took art classes at College of Marin, and went on to be a self-styled artist and calligrapher practicing freelance design. While living in Mill Valley, she made a positive impression on many with her long flowing hair, free spirit, and fire engine red Volkswagen bug.    

Her spectrum of talents stretched far and wide; a present wrapped with her immaculate bows, a beautifully hand crafted card, or sweet note written in her iconic handwriting are remembered by all who were lucky enough to receive them.

In June of 1978, Lori married Gard Hellenthal, the love and joy they shared caught the eye of many. They moved their joyous union out to the end of Bohan Dillon Road above Cazadero, California. Here, Lori and Gard created a beautiful home together. During the early years Lori continued to create her artwork, spent copious amounts of time in her beautiful garden with her chickens, and raised the chance bummer lamb. Soon enough, her main focus was gleefully channeled into raising their two children, Seth and Elisa. And what a compassionate and nurturing mother she was, she loved and protected her children with everything she had.       

Lori was a loving and dedicated partner to her hardworking husband, rising in the wee hours of the morning to start the fire, make the coffee and pack one of her notorious lunches. She took the utmost pride in keeping her family happy and well fed, that of which she did an extraordinary job of. As a gentle mother figure to all her children’s friends, the Hellenthal house was well known for playful birthday parties, an abundant snack supply, and the kind words and warm smile that came along with it all.    

As her children grew, and school started, Lori was known for braving the harrowing back road multiple times a day to get the kids to school.

Lori became an active member of the Fort Ross School Parents Club. Here, she made deep, everlasting bonds with mothers in the community. Attention to detail was never lacking when Lori was involved, clipboard in hand.     

Many will remember Lori’s years spent behind the counter at Ocean Cove Campground, where she worked with her close friends, always greeted campers with her beautiful smile, and brightened the day of many local community members. She immensely enjoyed the time she spent down at the Cove.

We are all lucky for knowing and loving Lori, with her bright smile, kind heart, and most of all, her sweet and nurturing spirit. That beautiful spirit lasted until her final days. She will be remembered, honored, and deeply missed by all.

Lori is survived by her loving and ever so devoted husband Gard Hellenthal, and her dedicated daughter Elisa Lane Hellenthal. Lori had many close nieces, nephews, cousins, brother and sister in-laws spanning both sides of her family, and she loved them all dearly. The same goes for all the amazing friends she made along the way.   

She is now reunited with her beloved boy Seth Hellenthal, cherished brothers Brock (Greta) and Cort (Candy) Elliott, and adoring parents Bates and Madge Elliott (Thurston). 

We plan to have a celebration of life in the near future.