Helen Phillips was born in Gladesville, West Virginia on February 28, 1926 and passed away in Fresno, California on December 11, 2022 at the age of 96 years.
Mrs. Phillips worked in fingerprint classification in Washington DC during WWII. She was a homemaker for 70 years. Her husband of 59 years, Lester Phillips (who predeceased her) was a United States Marine. Helen was proud of his military career and made a new home for their family wherever they were stationed.
Helen enjoyed reading, sewing and flower gardening. She made both her daughters’ wedding gowns, and she later crafted Christmas quilts from precious fabric squares collected for many years. Later in life, her beloved beagle, Sam, was a close and devoted companion.
Mrs. Phillips is survived by two daughters: Diane Steed and Debbie Helsel of Clovis; four grandchildren: Jason Helsel of Clovis; Gretchen Helsel Drumm of Cathedral City; Caleb and Connor Helsel of Clovis; and two great grandchildren: Cole Helsel and Reece Helsel of Clovis; and a cousin Patricia Cratty of Carlsbad.
At Helen’s request, there were no funeral services. She will be buried with Lester at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, California.
