HELEN OKELBERRY

Helen Ridges Okelberry 1910 ~ 2009 Helen Ridges Okelberry passed away peacefully on Pioneer Day, July 24, 2009 in Las Cruces, NM where she had been residing with her daughter, Jean Hill. She was born May 30, 1910 to Alfred Joseph Ridges and Edna Hyde Ridges. She was the great-granddaughter of Pres. John Taylor and Orson Hyde. She married Alfred Moyle Okelberry on September 2, 1932 in the Salt Lake Temple. She was devoted to this gentle, kind-hearted, brilliant surgeon. While he was away caring for others, she occupied herself with quilt-making and beautiful needlework projects. Her hand knit Christmas stockings are treasured by each child and grandchild. Helen had a spirit of loving kindness and was known for her ready smile, pleasant disposition and willingness to serve others. She loved gathering her family together and was famous for her tart lemon pies and homemade ice cream. She had a wide range of interests-from basketball to ballet, football to fugues, swimming to symphony. She was the first to reach the 500-mile goal at the Deseret Gym Pool and was often seen bicycling on her three-wheeler along the Avenues. In her earlier years she rode in the Silver Spurs horseback riding club. She loved tending her beautiful rose gardens which are still blooming. She lived a happy, contented life. Helen was a member of the DUP, Ladies Literary Club, and officer in the County and State Medical Auxiliary groups, a 24+ year volunteer at Primary Children's Medical Center and a expert bridge player. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in a variety of callings. Along with her husband, she served a mission at the visitor center in Nauvoo, Illinois in 1972-73. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband and son, Carl. She is survived by her daughters, Joan Clissold and Jean Hill (R. Dean), her daughter-in-law, Doreen Maxfield, 12 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 17th at 12 noon at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple. Family and friends may call from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. We are grateful to our wonderful mother who has left us with a legacy of testimony, service and love.