Helen Jo Wakefield

Helen Jo Wakefield went home to heaven, Friday, August 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 101. She was born on April 7, 1924, in Electra, Texas to Oscar and Stella Carroll. She was one of 6 children. Her family moved to California when she was young. She graduated from Santa Maria High in 1942. She worked as a cashier in several grocery stores for over 20 years. She was the second nonrelative employee of Williams Brothers Market.

She and her former husband, Leslie Litten had 2 daughters, Jeannie and Diane. Though their paths later parted, she continued to live in the house that they built in the early 50's. The house remained a central place for family memories for more than 70 years.

Helen later married Bob Wakefield who had two children, Janet and Jim. Helen and Bob loved to travel in their RV. Their favorite destination was Willow Beach, Arizona, on the Colorado River. They also traveled through Mexico, Canada and Alaska. Later they built a cabin in the High Sierra Meadows. The cabin became, and still is, a treasured retreat where kids and grandkids ride quads, swim in the creeks, fish and create lifelong memories.

She was a great cook and was especially known for her pies. She enjoyed sewing and made many clothes for herself, her children and grandchildren. She also loved her garden and her fruit trees. Roses were her favorite, and she always had a beautiful rose garden.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Jeannie Barrackman(Charlie), Diane Cox(Jon), grandchildren Brad(Sue), Chad(Laurie), Arlo Hicks(Katie), Amy Treur(Derrik), Andrew Cox & James Cox. Great grandchildren, Kasey(Kodi), Cody, Jack, Macy, Henry and Calvin. Great-great grandchildren, Sawyer & Teagan.

Stepchildren, Janet Rogers(Lynn), Jim(Bonnie), step-grandchildren, Mark Rogers(Korena), Jamie Tanas(Munir), Andy, Brad & Kelsey(Tyler) and numerous step-great grandchildren.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, her step-grandson, Brent Rogers, and her husband Bob with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage.

Mom/Grandma, we will love you forever and we'll see you again in heaven.

Graveside services will be held at the Santa Maria Cemetery on Friday, August 15th, 2025, at 11:00 am.