Helen Marie Koleber

Helen Marie (Keller) Koleber, age 84, of Tacoma, Washington, died June 6, 2026. Born October 7, 1941, Helen was the oldest of 6 children of Mary & Donald Keller. She was raised in Everett, Washington, surrounded by a large extended family.

After graduating from high school, Helen joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), where she served for a time. After leaving the service, she worked at Boeing, in Seattle, where she met her husband, Ken. They married in February 1964, and later moved to Tacoma, where they raised 3 children. Helen moved through a few jobs before finding a good fit as a dietary kitchen manager in the retirement home community. She took an early retirement to care for Ken when he developed a serious heart condition.

Prior to Ken passing, they loved to travel, taking many road tripsthrough the country, a cruise, and a trip to Mexico to see the pyramids. In later years, Helen enjoyed growing her vegetable garden every year and had an extensive collection of garden gnomes. She really loved being able to provide her own salad fixin’s, and to make her special Dilly Beans. She was a very talented painter, and was a prolific crocheter, making special blankets for all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Koleber, and two brothers, Joe & Tom. She is survived by her children, Paula Koleber Bonneville (Kelly), Kenneth Koleber, and Audrey Koleber; sisters Susan Jensen, Mary Keller Wynn (Art), and brother Don Keller; 9 grandchildren, and 9 great -grandchildren with a 10th on the way.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 1 -5 p.m. at Helen’s residence for those that wish to join the family. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider a donation to The National Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association.