Helen Gilliland

Helen Lee Gilliland passed away July 15, 2006 in Yakima. She was born on November 18, 1910 to Albert Samuel Lee and Hansina (Peterson) Lee in Denison, Kansas. The family moved to Wenatchee, Washington, where her father owned a grocery store. Helen received most of her schooling there, and participated in the very first Apple Blossom Parade. Moving to La Center for three years, she wound up in Zillah, where her father owned Lee's Grocery, and graduated from Zillah High School in 1929. She then started voice training in Yakima with Dr. Charles Keeler. She became a church soloist and also sang on the radio and at many gala functions around the state. In 1938 she married Wayne Gilliland, a high school sweetheart who just wouldn't take "no" for an answer. They made their home in Yakima, where Wayne was the office manager for Yakima Valley Petroleum. A family of three by 1943, they moved to Seattle Mr. Gilliland became an auditor for the State of Washington. In 1959, when Wayne was promoted, they moved to Olympia, where they spent the next 30 years. Helen pursued her music and art talents there, joining several organ groups and clubs. She studied for ten years with Phil Raboin, the State Capitol organist. Many of her dearest friends were made through those associations. In the fall of 1989, she and her husband moved back to Yakima to enjoy the valley and its memories from when they first met, married, and became parents. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, in 1992; by her sister, Florence Ballinger; and her brother, Bob Lee. She is survived by her son, Peter Gilliland, of Yakima; one granddaughter, Luna Soria (Russell) Eckstrom, and one great- granddaughter, Jessica Luna Eckstrom, of Lacey; one sister, Dorothy "Dottie" Thomas, of Yakima; four nieces; and two nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 21, 2006, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home's 9th Avenue Chapel in Yakima. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2006, at Zillah Cemetery in Zillah. Those wishing to attend should meet at the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Memorial Home Health and Hospice, in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Yakima.