Helen Eloise Raburn

Helen Eloise Raburn, 80, died on July 30, 2012 in Houston, TX. Born on October 21, 1931, Helen was the daughter of Bertie and Pete Harris, who both preceded her in death. Helen is survived by her children, Terry Raburn; Tim and Jody Raburn and Tawn and Jimmy Seale. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Toni Lin Raburn, the namesake of her son Tony; Thresa & Mike Aguayo; Tabatha, Cody and Mathew Raburn Hill; Tiffany, Josh, Ty and Turner Hulett; Michael and Daniel Seale; and Dustin Ruffatto. Helen is preceded in death by her son Tony Raburn and her daughter Tammy Raburn Ruffatto Bohon. Helen is now reunited with her husband of 64 years, Sam Raburn, who passed away on July 17, 2012, a mere 13 days before.

Helen was born in Shamrock, Texas and graduated high school a year early in 1948. That same year, Helen visited her grandparents in Wellington, TX. While on an errand, Helen met Sam E. Raburn at Raburn Grocery, the store owned by Sam’s father. Though she had forgotten the butter stamps required at the time, Sam gave Helen the required butter upon the promise of her return. Helen did return, accepted a date with Sam and promptly fell in love. Helen and Sam were soon married and the couple moved to West Text State University where they both attended classes until returning to Wellington to assist the family with Raburn Grocery. Family would continue to be the most important focus in Helen’s life.

In 1956, Sam joined Safeway Stores, Inc. in Dallas, Texas, a career that took the couple around the US and back again. The couple traveled from Tyler and Longview, Texas to Butte, Montana and Portland, Oregon. Along their travels, the couple raised their five beautiful children who were Helen’s life work. The family moved a final time to Houston, Texas in 1974.

Following Sam’s retirement, the couple remained in the Spring area, enjoying time with each other and with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all eventually gravitated to the Houston area. Helen pursued numerous artistic interests and had a passion for decorating. Helen doted on her children. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike and was there for anything they needed. Helen took special care of Tony and Tammy, who Helen nursed tirelessly until their passing.

Helen passed away peacefully, in the evening of Monday, July 30, 2012, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. Helen leaves a legacy of caring and wisdom. She has instilled in her children regarding the importance of family, a legacy that will last for generations to come. Helen has joined those who loved her and whom she loved, most importantly her husband Sam, who cared for her to the end of his days.

Friends are invited to a visitation celebration of Helen’s life on Friday, August 3, 2012 starting at 9 a.m. with a formal service starting at 10 a.m. at Brookside Funeral Home, 3410 FM 1960 West, Houston, TX 77068. A reception will immediately follow the service. A private burial will take place at Glenwood Cemetery. Online tributes may be posted at www.brooksidechampions.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Altzheimer’s Foundation of America at http://www.alzfdn.org.