Carmen Cortez Helphenstine

1930 - 2022

Carmen "Corky" Cortez Helphenstine, 91, of Wind Ridge, died on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 10:06 p.m. in her home, and her family by her side.

She was born June 14, 1930, in Gary, Indiana, a daughter of the late Juan and Maria Lopez Cortez, and was raised by her foster parents, the late Longino and Dorothy Rivas.

Mrs. Helphenstine had been a resident of Wind Ridge since 1955, and was a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church in Graysville, and was also a member of Richhill Township V.F.D.

She was a 1948 graduate of the Thomas A. Edison High School in Gary, Indiana.

Following graduation she joined the U.S. Navy, where she so proudly wore the uniform as a Communication Technician during the Korean War.

Mrs. Helphenstine was an employee of the former Berkowitz Pajama Factory and G.C. Murphy Company, both in Waynesburg, and was last employed in the Greene County Assistance Office as a clerk / typist for 20 years prior to retiring.

She enjoyed playing Bingo, cards (to include "Go Fish" with her great-grandson Mason), and also enjoyed painting and sewing as long as her eyesight permitted, she was an avid volunteer and worker for fund raising activities.

Mrs. Helphenstine thoroughly enjoyed watching the West Greene Lady Pioneers softball team win 2 State Championships.

On May 21, 1953, she married James Hudson Helphenstine, who died December 14, 2010.

Surviving are two sons, James A. (Wendy) Helphenstine, and Jon C. Helphenstine, both of Wind Ridge; two daughters, Mary Beth Tedrow of Wind Ridge, and Lori L. Moore of Dilliner; seven grandchildren, Brent (Dana) Helphenstine, Adam (Amber) Helphenstine, Matt Tedrow, Erin (Todd) Klaner, Jessica (Justin) Carpenter, Jonathan (Miranda) Moore and Maria Moore; 11 great-grandchildren, Nathan, Ryan, Chance, Kameron, Kane, Kenzie, Mason, Teagan, Ealyn, Logan and Aryai; her pet dog, Gracie, a 13 year old Golden Retriever.

Deceased in addition to her parents; foster parents; and husband; is a grandson, A. Lance Helphenstine, who died January 27, 1996; a brother, who died at birth.

Family and friends will be received from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, in the Kesterson-Rush Funeral Home, LLC., Rogersville, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 21, 2022, with Rev. Kurt Knoble officiating. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery, Wind Ridge.

Graveside military rites will be accorded by the Greene County Honor Guard and members of the U.S. Navy.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Greene County, 183 Jefferson Road, Waynesburg, Pa 15370.