Helen Callies

Helen Jane Kempton Callies Helen Jane Kempton Callies, age 88, passed away Monday 22 April 2013 in Palm Springs, California where lived the past 12 years. She was born on 14 September 1924 in Eden, Arizona daughter of Lloyd Heber and Sylvia Jane Bryce Kempton. Helen was the second oldest of six children, she spent her early years in Eden where she attended her grade school years. She then attended high school in Pima where she was a cheerleader. During her sophomore year her family moved to Brawley, Calif. She attended high school in Brawley and Calipatria, California. Helen married Wilbur Sheffield on 29 September 1942 in Yuma, Arizona. Wilbur being in the military made it necessary for Helen to assume the role of a military wife giving her the opportunity to live in a variety of towns on United States military bases. After the military Helen and Wilber owned and operated used car businesses. Helen spent 50 years working in the automotive industry. Helen and Wilbur where the parents of two children Ronald Lloyd and Norma Kaye (Kaye) both preceded her in death. After the death of her daughter Kaye, Helen raised her grandson Edward Hill. She enjoyed spending time with him, Ed and Helen went on several cruises. She also enjoyed their Sunday morning breakfast together. A special thanks to Ed for the kind and loving care that he provided for his grandmother, he was the light of her life. Helen enjoyed cooking and was an excellent cook. Helen was widowed in 1971 and later married Richard Callies on 18 October 1987 in Meyers, California. Helen was again widowed in 1999. After Richard died Helen and her grandson Ed bought a home in Palm Springs were Ed owns and operates a dog grooming business. Helen was preceded in death by spouses Wilbur Sheffield & Richard Callies, children Ronald Lloyd Sheffield and Norma Kaye Sheffield Hill, parents Lloyd and Sylvia Bryce Kempton, brother Lavar Kempton. Helen is survived by four younger siblings, one brother Bryce (Leta) Kempton, Mesa, AZ, three sisters, Leola (Roger) Wadell, Santa Ana, CA, Karen (Lon) Griffin, Pima, AZ and Lynne (Vernon) Perry, Globe, AZ Four grandchildren Ed Hill, Michelle (Ricardo) Sanchez, Michael Sheffield and Marie (Steve) Suissa, all of California. Nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Helen was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitation for Helen will be Saturday, 27 April 2013 at McDougal Caldwell Funeral Chapel from 11:00-12:00 followed by graveside services at 1:00 P.M. in Eden Cemetery, Eden, AZ.