Helen Dorothy Walton

Helen passed away peacefully in Edmonds, Washington on May 12, 2005 at the age of 95. Born February 25, 1910 to Blanch Blanchard nee Brigger and Homer Blanchard in Rathdrum, Idaho, the youngest of three children, brothers Claude and Parnell a.k.a. Duke. She grew up in Dryad and Spokane, Washington as well as Blanchard and Post Falls, Idaho. At 12 years old Helen learned her culinary skills from her grandmother who was the head chef at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane. Helen mastered the art of cooking in quantities, skillfully creating a feast with the minimum of food and equipment.

On August 21, 1926 she married Wesley D. Walton who preceded her in death in 1946, and settled in Seattle, Washington, where she lived the majority of her life. She established her career using her culinary skills. In 1949 she worked at the University of Washington Commons Cafeteria before joining the staff at the Washington Mutual Bank lunchroom in 1950. She assumed lunchroom managerial responsibilities at the bank from 1956-1960. From 1961-1966 she owned/operated Helen's Lunch Room in downtown Seattle and later joined The Battelle Research Institute overseeing their lunchroom/catering operations. She concluded a very successful career cooking for sororities at the University of Washington.

Devoted to family and friends and quick to help anyone in need, she was an unselfish and loving individual who built her life around her children, grandchildren and their families. Helen is survived by 2 sons: Wesley P. Walton, wife Lucille of Mt. Vernon, Washington and Gerald B. Walton of Seattle, 5 granddaughters: Suzanne Mulivrana Joe, Christine McIntyre Tully, Gloria James Barry, Elizabeth Tiegen, Lorraine Laffoon Bill, 8 great grandchildren: Todd McIntyre Allison, Brenda Nash Ryan, Kaira Grundig Dan, Rocky Tiegen Jr., Kelly James, Tiffany Bowen Brinton, Lea Laffoon, Lindsay Laffoon, and 4 great-great grandchildren: Brendon and Erin McIntyre, and Taylor and Nathan Nash.

A private family memorial service was held at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the University of Washington Speech and Hearing Center in Helen's name.