Helen Wallen

HELEN PIPHER WALLEN Born Helen Pipher on March 25, 1917, to Grant and Hazel Pipher. She fondly remembered growing up on the 320 ac. family farm in Champaign, Ill. Helen and Orval married in 1935, when she was 17. They moved to Quincy, Ill. for Orval's work and in their spare time they enjoyed riding around in their 1930's Austin Healy. Helen became a mother to her only son, Dale, and the family started their move towards the West, first moving Oklahoma City and then to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Helen loved the Native culture there. In 1954, Orval was offered a job in Livermore, CA. at Sandia National Laboratories, & Helen took a job as a medical Administrator, where she worked until retirement. The couple then moved to Chico in 1978 to be close to her son Dale who ministered the Presbyterian Church. Helen became a volunteer at Enloe Hospital for 20 years. She was very active at the Presbyterian Church. Her greatest joy was her only grandchild, Matthew and they remained close till her death. Helen is survived by her grandson, Matt Wallen (Michelle) in Chico, CA; sister Dorothy Zihal (Mike) in Pinehurst, NC; Brother Dale Pipher in Belen, New Mexico; and brother Don Pipher (Sandy) in Chico, CA. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Orval and son, Dale. Her funeral is under the direction of Brusie Funeral Home, and will be held at 11:00am Monday 3/25/13 at Chico Cemetery. Peace