Clara
Helley, 64
Plummer - Clara Helley, 64, died Wednesday, December 9, 1998 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Red Lake Falls.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 12 at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer with Reverend Clarence Johnson officiating. Dawn Halvorson was the organist, and Ross Arlt was the vocalist. Casketbearers were Chris DuChamp, Jim DuChamp, Bernard DeHate, Ferd DeHate, Lonnie Longtin and Steve Eskeli. Military honors were accorded by the Plummer American Legion and Legion Auxiliary. Burial was in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Brooks. The Petterson Funeral Home in Red Lake Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
Clara Ann Blair was born on February 19, 1934 in Wyandotte, MI, the daughter of Stewart and Ruby (McBride) Blair. She was raised in Wyandotte where she attended school and graduated from high school. Clara attended Mesa College in San Diego, CA where she received a degree in business administration.
On January 5, 1954 she joined the Navy and served in the Korean War, receiving the National Defense Service Medal. She was honorably discharged on April 12, 1956.
On April 6, 1956 she was united in marriage to John Helley at Waukegan, IL. The couple lived in many places throughout the United States. The couple moved to Plummer after John retired from the Navy in 1978.
Clara was active in the Boy Scout program and was a member of the American Legion Post in Plummer. She served as president of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a charter member of the National Association of Military Women, the DAV Auxiliary in Crookston and served as secretary of the AM Vets in Wheeling, IL. Clara was also a volunteer for the Special Olympics. After the Presbyterian Church closed she became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
She enjoyed playing bingo, fishing and needlepoint.
Clara is survived by her husband, John Helley Sr. of Plummer; three daughters, Helen (Dan) Doughen of Ramona, CA, Mary (Kevin) Kaullen of Romona, CA, and Barbara (Jerry) Bjerke of San Diego, CA; two sons, John Helley Jr. of Crookston and Kermit (Patti) Helley of San Diego, CA; and nine grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant children, Robert Charles Helley and Horace Arthur Helley; and three brothers, Stewart, Chuck and Daniel.