Helen Pearl Hampton

She married Joseph C. Hampton, March 9, 1946 and they lived in San Francisco where Joe worked as a painter, finishing his apprenticeship. Charlene was born while they lived in the city. They moved to Petaluma and started a chicken ranch in 1949. Joe continued painting and drove trucks to supplement their income. Helen ran the chicken ranch and took care of the children. Kathlin and Ralph were added to the family. She was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Dunham School District and attended church regularly.

In 1957, the chicken ranch was sold and the family moved to Red Bluff. When Ralph started school, Helen went to work as a bookkeeper for Forward Brothers. She moved from their employment to a real estate office then to the County Auditor’s office followed by the County Office of Education. She kept the books along with the Assistant Superintendent of Schools, for 18 school districts. She retired from the County Office of Education in 1983, when Joe retired. Not only did Helen work a day job, she kept the books for Red Bluff Painting and Decorating, Joe's business. As a member of the Red Bluff Presbyterian Church, she sang in the choir. Just recently, she was awarded her 50-year membership pin for the Order of Eastern Star. Helen was a gardener and preferred being outdoors. She also crocheted and knitted. Her family will miss the Christmas package containing scrubbers, clothes hangers, potholders and dishtowels. Her hands were rarely still.

Joe and Helen traveled many summers to Canada fishing. They dug clams, crabbed, fished and would can their catches before coming home. There were hunting trips as well, but always fishing. Family weekends were spent at Shasta and Eagle Lakes either fishing or water skiing and camping. Not many summers passed without a family camping trip to the Oregon Coast.

Helen was dedicated to her husband and they loved to dance. He passed in January 2013 and the time without him was difficult. Her son, Ralph Hampton, , also preceded her in death in 2003. Two daughters and son-in-laws survive her: Charlene (Jim) Brown of Los Molinos and Kathlin (Don) Meyer of Adin. Six grandchildren: James (Melanie) Brown, Yreka: Jocelyn Brown, Red Bluff; Katie (Perry) Copp, Adin; Sophia Meyer, Alturas; Jake Hampton, Red Bluff; Joe Hampton, Red Bluff. Five great-grandchildren: Hannah and JT Brown; Isaac and Ethan Copp and Lathan Hampton. Sister; Tillie Zimmerman, Winnemucca, NV; numerous nieces and nephews.