Helen Louise Farris

February 19, 1919 – November14, 2014

Helen was born in Wallace, ID on Feb. 19, 1919, to Jay and Marion Berg, and was always proud of her Norwegian heritage. She passed away Nov. 14 at the age of 95, and was preceded in death by her brothers Bruce and John Berg, and her husbands.

She will be remembered and celebrated by her children Barbara Brucker and Jim Tocher; Beverly and Rand Masteller; grandchildren Laura and Brett Schiller, and Ryan Masteller and Ashley Cefalo. She also enjoyed the roles of mother, grandmother & great-grandmother to the numerous family members of her 2nd & 3rd marriages.

Helen attended school in Mullan and Wallace, ID, graduating from Wallace HS in 1936. She attended the Univ. of Idaho, graduating in 1940 with a degree in Home Economics. She was a proud 77 year member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and served in many capacities through the years including Province Alumna Director.

She was initiated into P.E.O. in 1942 and was an active 72 year member.

After college she taught school in Spirit Lake, worked for the WWP in Moscow, and during WW II for Boeing in Seattle, before marrying Willis E. Brewer in 1944. They lived in Wallace and Walla Walla where they raised their 2 girls, and she taught home ec classes at Wa-Hi and WW community college. She also was active in the First Congregational Church and many community activities.

In 1967 Helen married Robert J. Towne and moved to Spokane. They were active members of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral where she held many positions and enjoyed singing in the choir. She was also an avid helper in several Spokane charities including Meals on Wheels, and was a regular blood donor, and was active in Women of Rotary.

Through the years she also particularly enjoyed snow-skiing, golf, sewing, oil painting, and her daily crosswords. She could play almost any tune on the piano “by ear”.

After Robert’s death in 1998 she married James P. Farris, a long time friend from Wallace and they lived in Spokane until his death in 2001. Helen then moved to Davenport, WA and lived at the Davenport Retirement Village for the past 13 years. She continued her active lifestyle, being involved in the Presbyterian Church, P.E.O., study club, bridge group, school volunteer, etc. She was able to drive and stay active into her 90’s, always greeting people with a warm smile and a gracious comment. She will be dearly missed by all who had the good fortune to know her and enjoy her wit.

A memorial celebration will be held at Davenport Presbyterian Church on Wed. Nov. 19 at 11:00

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Davenport Care and Share, the Inland Empire Blood Bank., or a charity of your choice.

Strate Funeral Home is Serving The Family.