Sally Griffis Helmick

Born in Muncie, Indiana on January 3, 1957 to Robert Irwin Griffis and Mary Catherine (Kate) Bauer, Sally spent her youth on the 'Space Coast' in Indian Harbour Beach, Fl. before moving west and finally settling in Las Vegas, NV in 1976.

Sally attended UNLV and worked for years in the hospitality industry for several large hotel properties, including: Westward Ho, Imperial Palace, Hilton, and Treasure Island. Through her brother, Sally met the love of her life Kent and the two of them married in 1981. Shortly after she moved to Forest Grove, OR to join Kent while he pursued his Optometry degree. In 1984 they returned to Las Vegas, NV where they started their life and raised their children. After becoming a mother to Kristopher and Kimberly, Sally devoted her life to raising her children. She focused on her kids and was always present to provide support to their friends, treating them like her own. Family was always her top priority in life and spending time with her brothers and their families brought her happiness. Her love of family only expanded after she gained a daughter-in-law and her two grandsons.

Sally was the life of the party and always made friends wherever she went. She made people smile with her comedic wit and stories. Sally was an avid rock music lover and living in Las Vegas allowed her to see all of her favorite musical artists as they toured through the city. Affectionately known as the “Concert Queen” she attended weekly shows with her family and friends. Recently, she became a fan of hockey and enjoyed watching and attending Golden Knights games.

In addition to her love of live events, Sally loved to travel. From an early age she was fortunate to travel to many international destinations; some of her favorite places were Tuscany, Rome, and London. Even though she was well-traveled, no place captured her heart like the beaches from her childhood in Florida.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents and brother, David Griffis. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Kent Helmick, and daughter Kimberly Helmick of Henderson, NV; son Kristopher (Annemarie) Helmick of Los Angeles, CA; brother Robert “Jerry" (Pam) Griffis of Las Vegas, NV; two grandchildren; nieces Sarah (Kyle) Yeomans and Danielle Griffis of Las Vegas, NV; nephew Max (Becca) Griffis of Denver, CO; sister-in-law Dawn Griffis of Las Vegas, NV; brother-in-law Lyle (Barbara) Helmick of Pahrump, NV; and many other dear family members and friends.

Services will be held privately. A celebration of Sally’s life will be held at a later dat