Helen Shill

Helen Shill, age 89, died peacefully in the arms of her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, on March 8, 2019, in her home, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Helen was born on July 19, 1929, in Chewelah, WA, to William Claude and Lucy Annie Holland. She graduated from Jenkins High School in 1948, and St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. After receiving her R.N., she moved to Wenatchee, WA, and met the love of her life, Gary. Gary said he fell head over heals in love the moment he saw her. They married on September 15, 1956, at Grace Lutheran Church. Gary was her knight in shining armor, who showed her love, honor, and respect. They were inseparable and truly best friends, and loved each other every single day, until his passing on June 15, 2013. Their marriage has been an inspiration to many people. Helen worked full-time at Deaconess Hospital, The Eye and Ear Hospital, and Parkside Manor. Even though nursing was her passion and her chosen career, she shined the brightest while nurturing her family, especially her beautiful granddaughter, Emily. Her love for Emily is very special and will live on. Her selfless and loving spirit didn't stop with her family; she faithfully donated to many national charities, volunteered her time with several local organizations including the Red Cross, and she participated in many many groups at Grace Lutheran Church, with quilting being her most favorite. Helen will be remembered for her faith in God, dedication to her family, determination to do the right thing, selfless and nurturing spirit, homemade chocolate birthday cakes, quirky rhymes and sayings, her spunky and never tiring attitude, her consistency in every day life and most importantly, her cookies. She shared her delicious treats with her co-workers, Gary's co-workers, church friends, the pastor and his assistants, family friends, neighbors, her dentist, the mailman, her favorite cashier at Safeway, her daughter, and granddaughters, classmates, teachers and principals, the plumber, the auto and life insurance providers, the veterinarian, and everyone else who crossed her path. For those of you who were touched by Gary and Helen, their love is endless, so starting today, in their honor, share a smile, a batch of cookies, your place in line, or any random act of kindness that is true to who you are with those around you. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters: Dora, Faye, Ruth, and Mary; brothers: Lee, David, Paul, and Neil; and her husband, Gary. She is survived by her brother, Joe; daughter, Anne, and son-in-law, Bill; and two grandchildren: Emily and Jesse. Her family would like to thank all the wonderful people who helped her daughter successfully care for her and Gary from 2007-2019, and most importantly, those who helped Anne during these last few months. Special thank you to Katrina Shaw and Brittany Wellborn and mom's hospice team: Trina, Stephanie, Heather, and Sarah O.T. We made it! Thank you and God bless. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1408 Washington St., Wenatchee, WA.

Helen Shill

July 19, 1929 - March 8, 2019