March 08, 1930 - October 27, 2010
Helen (Claflin) Themelis Obituary
(Age 80) of Spokane
Our beloved mother, Helen, passed from this world on October 27th following surgery complications. She came into it on March 8, 1930 in Amidon, North Dakota, born to Ivan S. and Esther R. (Underdahl) Claflin. Both parents had an American Indian heritage; one included Scotch; and the other added Norwegian. The Great Depression caused a loss of Ivan's Moving and Storage business, and the dust storms forced Ivan and Esther's move to Harrison, Idaho with a son and two daughters. Of these, Helen is preceded in death by her older sister, Eunice. Her younger brother, Clifford, lives in Idaho with his wife, Alice. In Harrison, two more sisters arrived--Eva and Peggy, along with another brother, Roy, who has preceded his siblings in death. Helen married Robert L. Smith, now deceased, and they moved to Spokane. They are survived by six eternally grateful children: Cathy (married to Frank; residence in Tennessee), Robert L, Jr. (married to Katherine; residence, Davenport), Mickey (married to Marieta; residence, Davenport), Gregg (partner to Deena; residence, Spokane), and Rocky (married to Shelley; residence, Wyoming). The disposition of Randy, a sixth child is unknown. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She later married Jim Themelis, now dead, of Yakima. As Helen crossed over, Eunice returned to guide her to that river's far shore. Helen, a Licensed Practical Nurse for 40 years, has an earned reputation for reliability, no-nonsense teamwork, and an intense dedication to her patients. She enjoyed life, her family and friends, her adorable pets, rock hounding with Rocky or craft shows with Cathy, both geologic and evolutionary history, painting and especially gardening. She had recently developed an expertise in card development with two of her friends. she would not fly in an airplane, but some road trips will be relived whenever the family gathers. Helen was a pleasure to be around and enriched the lives of all. She was dearly loved and will live forever in our family memory and lives. We appreciate all the kind thoughts and prayers received, and we encourage stories as a life celebration this next Wednesday (Nov 3) at eleven o'clock. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Helen's appointed charity, Boys Town.
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