Helen Ann Caven

70, passed away March 16, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, following complications from heart surgery. Helen lived in Boulder City, Nevada for the past five years with her husband of 27 years, Melvin Caven, following several years in Guerneville and Geyserville, California. She was born Helen Ann Butler on June 4, 1939 in Roseville, California to Mary (née Marija Antonija Picelj) and Harold Samuel Butler. Helen's family migrated through Utah before settling in Bliss, Idaho, where she graduated as valedictorian from Bliss High School in 1957. During her first marriage to Kenneth Edward Pugh, Helen lived in Glenns Ferry, Idaho; and San Lucas, King City, Lodi, and Santa Rosa, California. She retired after 20 years from the Accounts Payable department of Sonoma State University, following employment for several years at Bank of America in downtown Santa Rosa. She was preceded in death by both parents, sister Mary Lou Anthony, stepson Bruce Caven, and granddaughter Domini Brown. Helen is survived by husband Mel Caven; daughters Jeanene Pugh and Coleen Pugh (Ron Woodard); son Kenny Pugh (Kay Lynn); stepdaughter Tracie Larcom; grandchildren Kent and Jared Brown, Madison Helena Pugh, Anna and Abby Pugh, and Emma Larcom; brother Harold Butler (Peg); sister Jeanie Florence (Harry); brother-in-law Jack Anthony; and many friends and relatives. A memorial service officiated by Father Denis O'Sullivan will be held at 3:00 p.m. on April 10, 2010 at St. Rose Parish Hall, 322 10th St., Santa Rosa, CA. In lieu of flowers, charity donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, or St. Jude's Ranch for Children, Boulder City.