Helen Lucille Huff

Helen Huff passed away peacefully at age 101 with family by her side in her Modesto home. She was born in Ceres, CA July 8, 1914 to Mary (Baldwin) and Clayton Andrew Gross. Her maternal grandparents were among the early residents and land owners of Stanislaus County, arriving in 1876. Helen grew up with her family in rural Hughson and graduated from Hughson High school in 1932. She married J. Robert Huff on January 1, 1939 and soon after they built a home on his family peach ranch East of Empire and raised four children Marilyn, Duane, John and Gary. She was very active in the community holding leadership roles in PTA, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts and was a long time member of Empire Women's Country Club and Friday Circle. She also enjoyed spending time with her dear friends playing Bridge and Pinochle. Helen was especially talented in her creative endeavors such as painting, gardening, sewing and baking. In 1969, Helen and "Bob" moved to Modesto for their retirement years. Together they continued to enjoy family, friends and traveled extensively here and abroad including New Zealand, one of their favorite destinations. Helen and Bob celebrated 62 years of marriage before his passing in 2001.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Leslie Gross, nephew Don Gross and niece Carol (Gross) Wilson. She is survived by her beloved children including daughter Marilyn Huff and sons Duane Huff, John Huff (Kay) and Gary Huff (Ava). She is also survived by her grandchildren Kelly Huff Creedon (Chris), Star Raymond, Jason McHuff, Brian and Kevin Huff, Michelle and Brad Ardis (Lisa). Great grandchildren include Ella and Halle Creedon, Torin Raymond and Garrett and Amie Ardis.

Helen was a beautiful person who was loved by many. She was a kind-hearted soul who lived life by her favorite golden rule, "Do unto others as you would want done unto you". She will be missed but not forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Samaritan Village, Almond Room, 7700 Fox Rd. Hughson CA 95326. Remembrances may be made to Community Hospice (hospiceheart.org) 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.