Helen Ruth Crone Mckim

Helen was born in Fort Stockton, Texas on July 11, 1926. She was the youngest daughter born of Swedish immigrant parents and was very proud of her Swedish heritage. She was the beloved wife of Judge Ray McKim.

Helen graduated from Fort Stockton High School in 1942 and matriculated at the University of Texas in Austin and then graduated in 1949 with a degree in English and a minor in secondary education. Helen was a Blue Bonnet Bell and a member of Phi Mu sorority. She claimed a brief hiatus from her studies to work as a model for Neiman Marcus in Dallas. While attending UT, Helen met Ray L. McKim of Parkersburg, West Virginia and upon her graduation, they were married in Fort Stockton on August 27, 1949. They celebrated almost 62 years of their union together.

Helen and Ray began their early marriage in Odessa, Texas where she taught school from 1949-1951. Helen received her PHT degree (Put Husband Through College) and was the driving impetus in her husband’s successful four terms as District Judge. They moved to Midland in 1984 and then permanently resided in their lake home of San Angelo in 2001.

Helen began playing the organ at the age of 12 and devoted her talent for services at St. Paul Presbyterian Church and the Lutheran Church of the Risen Lord in Odessa, Texas. Upon her move to San Angelo, she again devoted her gift with services at St. Mark Presbyterian Church. She taught piano to children for many years as well. Helen will always be remembered for the beautiful chords that resonated throughout the sanctuaries where she played with a talent that spanned a career of 72 years!

Helen was a member of many organizations that included Pan-Hellenic, Law Wives in Austin, Republican Women’s Club of Odessa, Midland and San Angelo, the State Republican Women’s Organization, Junior League, and the American Cancer Society just to name a few.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gustaf and Hannah Crone; brothers, John F. Crone and Paul Crone; and her sister, Alice Danielson.

Helen leaves behind her loving husband, Ray L. McKim and two children, Raymond L. McKim, III and his wife, Betty of Midland and Karyl L. McKim Knowles and her husband, Chris of San Angelo. She was especially proud of her grandchildren, Macki Ray and Mallory McKim of Midland, and Cameron , Tyler and Megan Albrecht of San Angelo; as well as Sonja and Jeff Leary of Midland, Jason and Mauri Hopper of Midland, and Josh, Jake and Kassidy Knowles of Fort Worth. Survivors also include her nieces, Joan and Eldon Warner of Waco and their children Kendra and Adam; Nancy and Paul Lively of Dallas and their children Traci and Julie; nephews, Steven and Catherine Danielson of Orangevale, CA; George and Jackie Crone of Southaven, MS and their children Cara, Shannon, and Krista; Jonathan and Cathy Crone of Bealeton, VA and children Jonathan Jr. and Hannah. All were very special and loved their aunt and great-aunt Helen.

Visitation will be available at Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo. Family members will be available for greeting on Saturday, March 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Memorial Service will then be held at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in San Angelo, Texas on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. There will be a luncheon just prior to the service in the Fellowship Hall of St. Mark at 12:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 7 at 11:00 a.m. in Fort Stockton, Texas at East Hill Cemetery for close family members or anyone wanting to make the trip.

Flowers may be sent to either Johnson’s Funeral Home or St. Mark Presbyterian Church. However, in lieu of flowers, you will be welcome to donate to the American Cancer Society, St. Mark Presbyterian Church, First Christian Church – Disciples of Christ or any charity of your choice.

A special thank you is extended to Jimmy and Marilyn Luthi. They have been of great service for the caring and welfare of Helen and Ray for many years.

Helen loved social events and being with friends and family. She loved to entertain and was an excellent cook. She enjoyed playing bridge with friends and Scrabble in the evening with her husband. She especially loved to sit on the patio of their lake home and soak in the beauty that surrounded her.

Helen was a devout Christian and very active in her churches. A special verse to her was when the Lord spoke to Abraham, “I will make you a blessing…that you may be a blessing to others” (Genesis 12:1). She will be greatly missed as she was a blessing to everyone around her.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.