She was born on March 29th 1931 at St Elizabeth hospital in Yakima to Jacob & Eugenia (Euteneier) Hipner of Wiley City, WA.
Our loving “Nana”, “Granny”, “Aunt Helen” was at her best when she worked in her garden raising the most beautiful flowers; she always said “this is my therapy”. She was always crocheting beautiful Afghans and Barbie clothes for many of her friends and family members.
She was married to Dean Ellis for 35 years. Dean and Helen owned and operated the Ahtanum Service Station which was located next door to their home. She worked in many warehouses over the years, such as Sundquist, Gilberts, Carlsons and Haas. During this time she most enjoyed working with the girls, having lunch and getting together on a Saturday with their spouses to go dancing. She was active in the Lupine Flower Club and the Ahtanum 4-H Club running their snow cone booth in her earlier years.
She loved all of her family very much, always willing to care for everyone. She raised her niece Diane as her own until Diane passed unexpectedly in 1983. When Helens mother passed away she raised her two younger sisters Shirley and Carol. For the last 24 years of her life she was a second mom to Alex and Olivia, children of her nephew Dean (Melissa) Wilson of Selah. She was thankful she was able to see her nephew Darrel (Tracy) Hipner from Ohio one last time before she passed.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Eugenia Hipner, Sisters Madeline Carlson and Barbara Green, Brothers John, Chris, Andy, Joe, Jacob and William Hipner and several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her sisters Carol Wilhelm of Yakima and Shirley Rowe of Fredericksburg VA. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Landmark Care and Karen and Sandy of Memorial Hospice.
Visitation will be Friday, July 12th, 2019 at Keith & Keith Funeral Home from 4:00pm -8:00pm. A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 13th at West Hills Cemetery at 10:00am.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com
