Martha Jean Oney

Martha Jean (Riker) (Helgeson) Oney, 96, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on February 8, 2026 in her assisted living facility in Auburn, WA.

Martha was born September 8, 1929, in Wenatchee, WA, to Ralph and Elmira Riker. She married Robert (Bob) Helgeson in 1949; they had three sons, Chris, Wes, and Dave Helgeson. The marriage ended in 1973. She then married Guy Oney in 1976.

Martha received a degree in Textiles and Home Economics from Washington State University in Pullman. She owned Alpine Manufacturing Co. prior to retiring in 2012, along with her husband, Guy Oney, until his passing in 2001. One of the many items they produced was Eazi-Covers for use in RVs (a lightweight sleeping bag with sheets sewn inside). I think each of her kids and most of her grandchildren owned one.

Before working so much running the business, she enjoyed beachcombing and picking up driftwood pieces. She also enjoyed going camping as a family. Her son, Wes, remembers a time when they were beachcombing and she came across a good-sized tree root that was washed in by the waves. She ended up talking her husband, Bob, at the time, into hauling it home.

She had a love for cats, she adopted a "shop cat" at work and loved her cat calendars her step-daughter and granddaughter, Cheryl and Angie, got her every year.

Martha was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying her Air Coupe plane. Guy was also a pilot and flew a Bonanza. They attended many Bonanza Rallies together.

Martha didn't like to get rid of anything unless she knew someone could use it, even down to empty jars and containers.

One of her passions was genealogy. She spent many hours researching, collecting and documenting family history. She also enjoyed playing the piano and occasionally her accordion.

Another of her interests she always talked about was her dream to one day write about the history of Wenatchee Heights.

Martha is survived by her sons, Wes Helgeson (Lorri) and Dave Helgeson (Cheri), her grandchildren Amy Helgeson Quintana, Robert Helgeson, Ashley Helgeson (Marissa), Joey Helgeson, Alex Helgeson (Jibby), Scott Helgeson, Jennifer Helgeson Antrobus (Nick), Brad Helgeson (Emily), 12 great grandchildren, brother, Bud Riker (Judy), brother-in-law, Bob Lindell, step-daughters Patricia Oney Ingersoll (Don) and Cheryl Oney Jones (Hank), step-granddaughter Angela Freese (Todd), 3 step-great grandsons and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Elmira Riker; husbands, Robert Helgeson and Guy Oney; sister, Shirley Riker Lindell; sister-in-law, Jean Riker; son, Chris Helgeson; and daughter-in-law, Karen Helgeson.

A Graveside Service for the family will be held at Wenatchee Cemetery at 10:30 am, Tuesday, February 17th. A Memorial Service will be held on the West side of Washington later this spring.

Please express your thoughts and memories at our online guestbook at jonesandjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones- Betts Funeral Home.