Obituary of Helen Grife

Helen was born in Rose Hill, Iowa to Mabel and Earl Leathers. As a depression era child, she learned to make the best of what she had, be conservative, and work hard. An independent young woman focused on self- sufficiency, she was determined to have a career and after graduating from the University of Iowa, enrolled in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps and became a Registered Nurse. After World War II, Helen met and married Everett Grife, her best friend and 51% partner for 66 years. In 1948, they arrived in Eugene with their car and 15 foot Alma trailer. Helen began working as an RN. After the birth of her two daughters, she joined the staff of Edblom, Hessel, and Gordon, where she remained for 38 years. Always looking to improve her skill, she became a Physician’s Assistant. Everywhere Helen went, past and present patients would stop to greet her and thank her for her help, compassion and kindness. Helen’s family was her center and she was never still in providing for them. She helped Everett “physically” build two homes. Helen took sewing classes and made all of her own clothes and many of those for her daughters and grandchildren for more than forty years. She loved to read and imparted that love to her daughters and grandchildren by reading to them at every opportunity. Every year, including this one, she canned and preserved the produce of the family garden. Helen and Everett were generous to those in need and shared their home with individuals and families throughout their marriage. They supported elderly neighbors and sometimes complete strangers. Helen enjoyed traveling and sharing the ever-changing beauty of nature with her family. Needlework kept her hands busy in her elder years. She enjoyed puzzles and word games to keep her mind sharp, which was never a problem. Helen’s memory will continue to inspire her husband, Everett, and daughters, Catherine Fulbright and Connie Hedberg (husband, Larry) , 7 grandchildren (she was proceeded in death by one grandchild), 4 granddaughters-in-law, and 3 great-grandchildren. Helen was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 85780 McBeth Road in Eugene where she taught Sunday School and served on the Church Council. A service will be held at Good Shepherd on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 10:30 a.m., with reception to follow. Memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Memorial Funeral Home. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com