Mary Jane Helpman

Mary Jane was born to George S. Riggs and Vandelene (Theissen) Riggs on April 4, 1920, in Lewiston. She was raised on the family farm in upper Tammany, where her mother died when Mary Jane was 5 years old. She attended the Locust Grove School through the eighth grade and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1938. She married Willard Wilson July 2, 1938. That early marriage produced one daughter, George Ann. Employed as a telephone operator by Pacific Northwest Bell for 36 years, Mary Jane retired in 1981.

She married Hugh Helpman on Feb. 7, 1965, in Las Vegas. Living in Lewiston and for a time enjoying a recreational home at Syringa, the Helpmans led an active life steelhead fishing, playing cards and were avid golfers. Mary Jane and Hugh moved to Royal Plaza Retirement Center four years ago and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Hugh died May 6 of this year.

Mary Jane belonged to the Telephone Pioneers, Ladies of the Moose Lodge No. 751, Ladies Auxiliary of the Eagles Lodge No. 631, the Clarkston Golf and Country Club Women's Association and was an active volunteer at Royal Plaza.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Hugh Helpman; and a half-sister, Betty Jo Hutchinson.

Among the survivors are her daughter, George Ann Janni of Eugene, Ore.; and two grandsons, Darrell (Pam) Janni of Sequim, Wash., and Kevin (Ava) Janni of Eugene. Also surviving are her Helpman stepchildren and their families, which include Susan Morris of Spokane, Marilyn (Ed) Arnot, Joan (Dana) Petersen and John (Debbie) Helpman, all of Lewiston; and two granddaughters, also of Lewiston, Kristi (Mike) Murphy and Amy Petersen; as well as five great-grandchildren.

It is Mary Jane's request that no memorial service be held and that any memorial donations be directed to Snake River Community Clinic, 215 10th St., Lewiston, ID 83501.