Posted: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 12:00 am
Jan. 6, 1927 - Dec. 4, 2008
A lifelong resident of Corvallis, Helen was born on Jan. 6, 1927. She graduated from Corvallis High School in 1944 and from Oregon State University in 1948 with a degree in pharmacy. One of the first female pharmacy graduates from OSU, she worked as a pharmacist in the Willamette Valley for 52 years. She married Clifford C. Ames on Sept. 5, 1950.
Helen's family was very important to her. An ardent OSU Beavers fan, she was proud that her two grandsons attended OSU. Helen retired in 2000 to farm her large garden, sharing the harvest with strangers and friends. She was known for her hospitality and compassion, her willingness to serve, her full singing voice and her lively sense of humor. Even during the past few years of poor health, her bright smile was a witness to her strong faith in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.
Helen volunteered with many organizations including: Special Olympics, Benton County Republican Women, Zion Lutheran Church (as librarian) and School (as secretary) and Christmas Storybook Land.
Helen died peacefully on Dec. 4 at Park Place Assisted Living in Corvallis. Her survivors include sons Mark Ames of Corvallis and Barry Ames of Corvallis; daughter Patty MacInnes of Salem; son-in-law Neil MacInnes of Salem; and grandsons Aaron MacInnes of Corvallis and Jonathan MacInnes of Salem. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford, on Jan. 11, 1983.
A memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Zion Lutheran Church, 2745 N.W. Harrison Blvd., Corvallis. McHenry Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to Special Olympics, Benton County Republican Women or Zion Lutheran School, Corvallis.
The family would like to extend a very special thanks to the staff of Park Place Assisted Living for the loving care they gave Helen during the last years of her life.