Hellen Nelson

When Hellen Bentz’s (Barnes/Nelson) family lost their sugar beet farm in Colorado during the Depression she rode in the front seat of the family’s Model A, sandwiched between her mom and dad, all the way to Yakima. “I was so bored,” she said. “I couldn’t see over the dash.” The family dog, Buster, made the whole trip in an apple box strapped to the running boards. Once here, her family found work in the fruit-drying plants. It was grueling, but they were grateful for it. She met the love of her life, John Barnes, after he’d returned from The War. He’d been wounded at Iwo Jima. She told him she wouldn’t date a man who wasn’t saved, so he gave his heart to the Lord at the Mead Avenue Gospel Tabernacle. They married there shortly after. To make ends meet they and their first child lived in a one room cabin. They worked alongside one another in the orchards. “You wanna’ talk about hot,” she’d say. “Try propping apple trees in 115-degree heat." She and John had three children. Eventually they bought 11 acres in Wapato and planted apples. All six of their grandchildren would likely say being at that orchard was the very best of their childhood. Eventually John died and she, along with the rest of us, was heartbroken. She didn’t feel sorry for herself. She didn’t give into despair. She carried on, carving out a happy, self-sufficient life. Years later she met a man from church, Don Nelson. One year later they married. When Don eventually passed, she mourned his loss and set about rebuilding her independent life. Tough as nails, she carried on. "What choice do we have?" she'd say." It’s important for you to know she packed the very best lunches. She kept tiny Snickers in the veggie drawer of her refrigerator. She played piano like a virtuoso. Her CB handle was “Dolly.” She drank watered-down coffee like it was her job. She made massive bowls of popcorn and served ice cream when The Wizard of Oz came on every year. And when she hugged you, it sometimes made you want to cry. Dear Hellen, we hope heaven is everything you dreamed it would be. You deserve it and more. Thank you for all the love. Your Family Children: Jeri (& Rich) Walker, Don (& Bev) Barnes, Nancy (& Roland) Shanks. Grandchildren: Dawn White, Eric (& Gina) Steen, Dave (& Amber) Calhoun, Matt (& Caroline) Calhoun, Rose Steen-Hanson, and Chad (& Sarah) Steen. 14 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful people at Cottage in the Meadow and Avamere at Englewood Heights. Your love and care these last few days and years have meant the world to us. Bless each and every one of you. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Hellen Nelson, please visit our flower store.