Ruth “Elaine” Helm, of La Marque, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2017, at her home.
Born April 17, 1927 to Ruth Graves Chassaniol and George J. Chassaniol of Galveston, Texas, Elaine was married to Clifford D. Helm on July, 26, 1962. She was a graduate of Ball High School of Galveston, and Texas Women’s University, formerly Texas State College for Women, in June 1950.
Elaine was a member of First Methodist Church of La Marque, Texas. Having taught at La Marque ISD from 1954 – 1986, she was a member of Epsilon Sigma chapter Delta Kappa Gamma. Elaine also volunteered with Mainland Center Hospital Auxiliary and The Grand Opera House in Galveston. She was still actively participating in the College of the Mainland Senior’s classes.
An accomplished artist, Elaine worked with several mediums, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, and mosaics. In 2015, she was honored as the College of the Mainland’s 50 Plus Program’s Winter Artist.
She is preceded in death by parents, Ruth and George Chassaniol; husband, Clifford Helm; brother, George Chassaniol; and sister, Mary Lee Stathakos.
Elaine is survived by stepdaughter Debbie L. Edwards and husband Rick of Pasadena, Texas; sister, Jean Unbehagen and husband Otis; granddaughters, Ashley Phillips and husband Matt; Lauren Walling and husband Brice; great granddaughters, Camryn Phillips and Jacie Walling; numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; her Godson Stewart Stathakos; and her beloved dog, Lucie Love Bug.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Crowder Funeral Home, La Marque. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, La Marque, TX, with Sr. Pastor Richard Prather officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am and burial will follow at the Oleander Cemetery, 4201 Broadway in Galveston, Texas. A small gathering for family and friends will follow at the church fellowship hall.
Pallbearers are Stewart Stathakos, Mike Unbehagen, Dan Buckley, Peter Sifuentes, Dale Lee, Matt Phillips, and Brice Walling.
Honorary pallbearers are Otis Unbehagen, Jr.; Otis Unbehagen, III; and Sam Stathakos, Jr.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks and gratitude to Elaine’s caregiver, Betty Wilson; dear friend, Kerry Miller; and family friend, Eva Cavazos.