Helen Elizabeth Young

She was born and raised on a farm west of Hartville in Wright County, Missouri, where her paternal ancestors had settled and farmed over 100 years earlier.

She was a tomboy and a good farm hand, helping her daddy milk cows and haul hay, driving a tractor from an early age and riding the work horses Dan and Duke bareback with only binder twine as a bridle.

She attended grade school at Hartville and junior high at Mountain Grove. When the family moved to Columbia, she attended the University of Missouri Laboratory School (U-High). There she excelled in her studies and was an outstanding athlete, especially softball.

She was a voracious reader and had an inquisitive mind which occasionally got her in trouble as a child. This was balanced with an exceedingly kind heart — taking care of all variety of animals during her lifetime — both stray cats, dogs and wild critters like raccoons, groundhogs and birds.

She and husband Paul Tipton were active in the foster care program and took in many children over the years. They also shared their home with other teens and young adults that just needed a safe place to stay.

She was open and outgoing — never having met a stranger. She would meet someone in the store, discover whatever sorrow or joy was in their heart, and send them cards for years afterwards as though they were lifelong friends.

She had many jobs she excelled in — mostly in supervisory roles — which suited her well. Her last job was at Scholastic in Jefferson City. Many of her former staff still claim she was the best supervisor they ever had.

She was an active member of the Missouri United Methodist Church until her illness. She also served in the Army Reserves and was trained as a medic.

She was an amazing cook and hosted Sunday lunches for her family and their friends for many years. All were welcome at the table. She was unique, brave and strong willed — often taking the road less traveled. She will be remembered for her joyful laugh, playfulness, and for her consistent love of family and compassion for animals.

She is survived by her sister Rebecca Dieckmann (Paul Dieckmann) and brother Stephen Hickman (Ruth Hickman-Harms), children Tammy Hickman, Davin Tipton (Christina Tipton), Ian Tipton and Carleton Tipton-Montie, stepchildren Jason Grant and Shannon Grant, grandchildren Ashley Grantham, Brandon Dittmer, Zachary Montie and Willow Vurr, and great grandchildren Aiden Grantham, Avery Davis and Jericho Vurr Rott, as well as so many other relations and friends that loved her dearly and will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her parents Everett Hickman and R. Elizabeth Hickman, her daughter Tara Rebecca Tipton, and granddaughter Maya Leah Nicole Wootton.

Celebration of Life service to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the animal welfare agency of your choice or the Missouri United Methodist Church.