Obituary of Pat Helmers
Pat HelmersA celebration of life will be held later for Pat Helmers of Eugene, who died Dec. 30 of age-related causes at age 77.She was born May 21, 1933, in Scotts Bluff, Neb., to Clyde and Ruth Albro Bailey. She married Robert Paul on June 25, 1952, in Stevenson, Wash. They later divorced. She married James Helmers on April 15, 1958, in Reno, Nev. They later divorced.She was a graduate of Newberg High School, and she attended Lane Community College and the University of Oregon. She was a homemaker, professional cook and legal secretary.Survivors include two daughters, Catherine Paul of La Grande and Sarah Helmers of Eugene; two sons, Christopher of Portland and Jason of Eugene; a sister, Phyllis Rummer of Gold Hill; and two grandchildren.Arrangements by Musgrove Family Mortuary in Eugene. Remembrances to FOOD for Lane County or Greenhill Humane Society.Pat began her life May 21, 1933 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska the daughter of Ruth (Albro) and Clyde Bailey, as a child moving with her family to Newberg, Oregon. In 1952 she settled in Eugene, Oregon where she lived a life just northwest of normal and died on her own terms December 30, 2010. Her social activism started as a Newberg High School student where she was a friend to those who suffered from bigotry and prejudice, long before there were anti-discrimination laws. Her membership in the American Civil Liberties Union came years later. A dedicated citizen who participated in local government issues of corrections, homelessness and transportation planning. She enthusiastically engaged in local, state and national campaigns of Democratic party candidates. As a member of the League of Women Voters of Lane County, Pat appreciated her political responsibility and many friendships. A gift of the Alice B. Toklas Cookbook sparked her creative path as a talented cook and baker, leading to her opening Park Place restaurant in Eugene, Oregon. Pat enjoyed all manner of social activity from bowling, to playing cribbage or bingo, visiting with family, friends and neighbors, playing a good game of pool, watching a baseball game as well as hosting or attending a party. She loved to wash clothes and you could find wash on her clothes line most every day. Pat is survived by the four children she mothered; Catherine Paul of La Grande, Oregon, Chris Helmers (Wendy White) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Sarah Helmers (Jon Hanson) of Eugene, Oregon, and Jason Helmers of Eugene, Oregon. She was proud of each of their life accomplishments. Grandchildren Nathan Helmers and Sydney Helmers, sister Phyllis Rummer, as well as former husbands Robert Paul and James Helmers also survive. Pat was a sharp-witted, extraordinary person loved and admired by friends and family. Memorial contributions may be made to Greenhill Humane Society, 88530 Greenhill Road, Eugene, OR 97402 or FOOD for Lane County, 770 Bailey Hill Road, Eugene, OR 97402. Folks are invited to Pat Helmers, Celebration of Life party, Saturday January 22, 2011, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Downtown Athletic Club, 999 Willamette Street, Eugene, Oregon.