Helen Alithea Biteman

Helen was born in Seattle, WA to Philip and Helen Kappler Adams. During the "Great Depression" her father moved the family frequently. Helen and her brother Phil had tales to tell of living at various remote mining camps throughout the West, ultimately returning to Seattle, graduating from Franklin High School and marrying her grade school sweetheart, the love of her life, Duane E. "Bud" Biteman.

They moved to Los Angeles after World War 2 when Bud's services as an Air Force fighter pilot were no longer needed. Bud operated a "Flying Red Horse" Mobil service station and daughter Carolyn Anne was born. Bud was recalled to service a short time later and continued his career as a fighter pilot over Korea and China, moving the young family to Clark Field, in the Philippines. As an "Air Force Officer's Wife", Helen created homes in in many places including Texas, England (adopting son Philip Berne from Germany while there), and Vandenberg AFB, CA, where James Frederick (Jim) was born.

Upon Bud's Air Force retirement in 1964 they returned to Seattle, home of their extended family. Bud went to work for and ultimately retiring from Boeing. Helen, primarily "Homemaker Extraordinaire", had worked "outside" occasionally but concentrated her many talents on volunteer work and providing a loving home base for her family. A great cook, Helen loved presenting experimental dishes and the family learned to appreciate a wide range of food.

After Bud's "2nd Retirement", they embarked on a tour of the USA with friends Don & Marlene White and discovered the enchantment of Arizona, becoming "snowbirds" first in Apache Junction and later Mesa, Arizona, ultimately becoming full-time Arizona residents.

Helen was an enthusiastic participant all of her life: Officers' Wives Fashion Model, Girl Scout Leader, Tourist, Waterski Camper, Catholic Eucharistic Minister, Soccer Mom and Seattle Sounders fan, Cake Decorator, Seamstress, Knitter, Cross Stitch, P.E.O., community theater and, especially, GAMES! Helen loved to travel. In her late-80's she proudly proclaimed after one of her many adventures that she had ridden unrestrained, standing in the back of a pickup truck holding on to the truck's roll bar on a jungle road in Costa Rica. Asked what was she doing? She replied with a bigger grin, "I was on my way to go "Zip-lining" through the jungle canopy!" At 90 she climbed the Great Wall of China while on a trip to China and Japan. Helen had a bucket list, and she was able to check off almost everything on it! Helen was a "Wicked!" bridge player, playing two or three times a week until her death. If there was a game going on, she was there, pinochle, canasta, Mahjong and bridge.

Helen, living independently at 93, still driving, ultimately succumbed to effects of a broken hip. She is survived by her "Little Brother Phil" Adams and his family, her daughter Carol (& Glen) Wilhelm and son Jim (& Ruta) Biteman, grandchildren Mark (& Lisa) Wilhelm, Jon (& Lisa) Wilhelm, Aleks Biteman and great-grandchildren Molly & Cooper Wilhelm, in addition to extended cousins, nieces and nephews.

Helen leaves a legacy of kindness, smiles, enjoyment, thoughtfulness and humor. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's name to Seattle Children's Hospital PO Box 5371 Seattle, WA 98145-5005 are welcome and appreciated. Friends and family members are invited to attend the memorial service on Friday, October 12 from 11:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue, Washington, 98007. Service with Celebration to follow at Sunset Hills.