1921-2023

Helen passed away February 4, 2023, at her home on her farm in Forks. She was the daughter of Roy and Mae Huling. Born in Raymond on March 28, 1921, she joined two brothers, Dale and Deryl.

Helen spent much of her young childhood in Fairfax near Mt. Rainier. She often shared stories of her magical childhood there. She moved to Forks with her family in 1934, where her father helped build Forks Shingle Company.

Helen graduated from Forks High School and went on to college at Eastern Washington State College in Cheney.

In 1944, Helen married Russell Thomas. They returned to Forks to raise their family after the War. They raised five children: Bruce, Robin, Barry, Farrel and Kent. Russell and Helen built a grocery business together, Pay & Save Foods. Helen worked in the store until it closed in 2000.

Helen and Russell traveled the world together exploring different cultures and landscapes. In her later years, she spent hours listening to books and dreaming of places she had been and places she wished to go.

Helen was a strong, independent woman with a quiet demeanor. She taught her children the importance of love, respect, honesty and hard work. She was an excellent cook, a good bowler and bridge player and an avid Husky fan.

Above all, Helen loved her family. She was the anchor for a large and diverse family. She enjoyed seven grandchildren: Brian, Sarah, Shawn, Lindsey, Daniel, Evan and Hailey. Her eight great-grandchildren were a delight in her later years.

Helen hosted holidays and family celebrations in her home all her life, enjoying the voices of children and the joys of family sharing life together.

Helen valued education and lifelong learning. She generously supported both the University of Washington Foundation and the Quillayute Valley Scholarship Fund. If you would like to make a memorial contribution in her memory, please consider those two charities.