Helga married the love of her life, SGM Larry Aytes in El Paso, TX on July 14, 1989. Shortly after, they returned to Germany where he was stationed before retiring to Haughton in 1991. Helga enjoyed many years of caring for children in their neighborhood, and spending time with family and close friends. She loved to hear about what was going on in their lives, and was always quick to give advice, or her opinion, whether you wanted it or not, and whether or not it may hurt your feelings. She always believed in being honest, and expected the same from those close to her, regardless if it would hurt her feelings. She will be deeply missed.
Helga was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry, sisters Margot Thoni and Eleonore Harrison, and her brother Norbert Henke.
She is survived by her Sister Roswitha Sigmund of Schwetzingen Germany, brother Manfred Henke of Boxberg, Germany, nephew Steve Scully of Haughton, LA, nieces Diana (Carvis) Walker of Killeen, TX and Silke (Dennis) Herm and their children Mira and Tio of Bruehl, Germany, great nephew Drake Johnson of Huntsville, AL, brother-in-law Milton Harrison of Haughton, LA, step-son Tim (Becky) Aytes of Gresham, OR, step-daughter Laura (Dane) Grammer of Murphysboro, IL, step-grandsons Tyler (Maria) Aytes, Jeremy Aytes, and Lane Grammer, and close personal friends, who she loved like children, Dr. Wally and Jennifer Nawas of Bossier City, LA, and their children, who she loved like grandchildren, Caroline (Joel) Jurisich, Jake (Ashton) Nawas, and Zach Nawas.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the wonderful caregivers who made it possible for Helga to spend her last years in the home she loved so much.
Visitation will be at 1 pm Saturday March 11th at Hillcrest Funeral Home in Haughton, LA with the funeral following at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.