Helene Bernard Wilhite

August 16, 1915 – June 8, 2012

Helene was born to Albert and Vesta Bernard, the third of eight children to reach adulthood. Her parents were tenant farmers in various locations in Iowa. She was one of three girls who were given household duties on the farm. Her five brothers were given the farming chores.

Helene attended Catholic elementary school where she boarded during the winter months. She graduated high school and was determined to continue her education. She enrolled in the University of Iowa and got a job as a waitress in Iowa City for $2.00 a week plus room and board. It was in that restaurant that she met her future husband of sixty-two years, Donald Wilhite. They were married on February 4th, 1939. Don took a job as a high school teacher and on April 26, 1941 they welcomed Michael, their first son, and started their family. Gerald came along on May 10th, 1943, and on Helene’s birthday, August 16th, 1948, Eric was born.

In 1944 Don, Helene and their boys settled in Winterset, Iowa, bought their first house and took their first excursion into home-ownership and remodeling. Gerald (Jerry) was convinced there were “Ghosties in the walls!”

In 1952 the family relocated to Southern California, bought a house in Torrance, and Helene went to work for North American Aviation as a parts planner. She continued to work there through two more houses, the marriages of all three sons, and the arrival of grandchildren Lisa (Jerry), Stephen and Alan (Eric) and Michael and Sean (Michael). Jennifer (Eric) was born in 1980.

In 1975 both Don and Helene retired and relocated to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. They lived there together until Don’s passing on February 21st, 2001. Both Helene and Don dearly loved New Mexico and felt their time there was the happiest of their lives. Helene took up painting and became very involved with the local art association. They both joined the men’s and woman’s clubs at the local golf course. As if she weren’t busy enough, Helene started volunteering at the local museum and gift shop.

In November, 2002, at the urging of all three sons, Helene moved back to California and settled in a little apartment in Cypress. Not too long thereafter Jerry got her a little dog, Max, who became her constant companion and “baby”.

Helene’s second son, Jerry preceded her in death on February 21st, 2012. She is survived by Michael and his wife Pat, their two sons Michael and Sean and their families, and by Eric and Pat, their two sons Stephen and Alan, and their daughter Jennifer and their families. All in all, Helene had seven grand children and nine great grand children. She lost a granddaughter to cancer in 1985.

Helene, please intercede with Saint Anthony for us, as we remember you in our prayers always.

Please sign the guest book at www.luybenfamilyd-m.com

Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401