Helen Rae DesPois

Her parents were Margaret (nee Williams) and Virgil Comstock. They left Missouri cause the biscuits was hangin' high for the fruitful land of California where citrus and palm trees surely lined the streets. First they lived in San Francisco where her father worked on the Bay Bridge. Then a job with the Southern Pacific Railroad lured the family to Bakersfield, CA where Helen was joined by brothers Phil and Jimmy. She attended local schools where she made many lifelong friends. In high school Helen earned the nickname Camshaft for her driving ability. She met her future husband Morie Des Pois at EBHS. They married while still in their teens and by age 21 they had 3 children, Kristy and twins, Jon and Jan. Helen and Morie always said their family grew up together.

Helen worked in the banking industry for many years. She went to work outside the home when the children were in school but was always home after school and had summers off for many years when the children were growing up. She was a member of that transitional generation of women who managed to raise her family and work outside the home. She set a wonderful example of how a woman could run a home efficiently, raise a family well and give the children Godly principles on which to guide themselves. Education was important and she made sure that her children were in school, well-scrubbed and clothed, well-fed and ready to learn. Thanks Mom!

Family vacations were spent visiting family and camping at Camp Nelson. Later as the grandchildren joined the family, we often went to the beach with Mom and Dad hosting. She especially loved their mountain cabin and the great times that were enjoyed there. The best times were always when we could be together playing games, cooking, fishing and exploring the surroundings. Mom was an excellent student of Bridge and she loved playing for over 70 years with many friends. These last few years were spent playing games with the gals at Solera. She and Dad loved entertaining their many dear friends, traveling with the Never Say No group and sharing with all who visited. In general, she loved being in charge (as oldest daughters tend to do!)

As the last of her generation in our family tree, she was missing her nuclear family and her husband who was simply the best. She hated to leave us but God was calling and her body was worn out. Helen leaves behind her daughter Kristy (Jerry) and grandsons Kurt and Shaun Sturz, her son Jon (Patrice) and grandson Beau Des Pois and her daughter Jan (Steve) and grandson Travis (Molly) and their children Collins, Brant, Beau and Claire Thurman and granddaughter Jenny Thurman. She also leaves three nieces, three nephews, so many, many cousins, cherished friends and the best next door neighbor ever. The family thanks her 4 very special caregivers immensely for their helpful and kind spirits.

Services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road on Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at 10:00 am. Graveside following is family only. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the Epilepsy Society Of Kern County.