Helen went home to be with Jesus on July 26, 2015 from Fruita, Colorado, where she had lived for three years at Courtyard Care Center. She was 97. Born to Leroy and Blanche Will in Los Angeles, California, on December 29, 1917, she enjoyed a happy childhood growing up with her two sisters in the San Fernando Valley. During World War II, she worked for Lockheed Aircraft as a riveter on U.S. war planes by day and danced with the sailors and soldiers at the Hollywood Palladium by night – both for the war effort. Before and after the war, she worked as a telephone switchboard operator and later at various retail businesses in Moab, Utah.
Helen had two early marriages. She had a son from the first and a daughter from the second. In 1952, she married Alf Haaland, and in 1954 at the start of the uranium boom, they moved to Moab, where she lived for 52 years. Alf died in 1968 and she later married Gary (Bud) Adams. They were married for 32 years.
Helen’s greatest joys were her family, her friends, her pets and working in her yard. She was happiest when she was around people. She didn’t know a stranger. Above all, she loved her Lord, and she was not shy about sharing her faith in Jesus. Her humor made people laugh till the end, in spite of her dementia and declining health.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; both parents; sisters, June Merrill and Marie Tuffs; and daughter-in law, Rosella Billi.
She is survived by her three children: James Billi, Sharon (Roger) Hall, and Martin (Debra) Haaland; six grandchildren: Cheri Robertson, Keith Billi, Jeff Hall, David Hall, Mishelle Brosinski and Kevin Haaland; 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, at First Baptist Church, 420 Mi Vida Drive, in Moab. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Spanish Valley Drive.
Helen’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Courtyard Care Center in Fruita and Hope West Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope West Hospice in her name.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
