Karen Ann Helpingstine

Karen Ann Helpingstine, born 9/8/1945, Spokane WA, parents Howard Kohli & Lillian(Mason)Kohli. Grew up in Spokane, attended Mead High School & Central WA State College. Graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor's degree in Education. Married to James Helpingstine on 3/20/1966 at her home with close family in attendance.

1968 started her career in education, taught grade school in Spokane before moving to Oregon in 1972, where she was a substitute teacher, all grades for the Hillsboro & Forest Grove school districts. In 1978 switched careers and went into banking. She started at US Bank in Hillsboro, then moved on to OnPoint CCU, Hillsboro and Beaverton locations, where she retired from in 2000. She was a dedicated and valued employee; her members appreciated her friendly and helpful service as a teller.

A wonderful mother who raised 2 daughters while working full-time, always taking care of the domestic duties and sacrificing her free time for her family. Amy and Jill were very doted on, and some might say even spoiled. A loving wife whose spouse was her best friend and soul-mate! Karen met Jim in junior high, first date was 1962, when both were juniors in high school. Best mother-in-law to Dale and Dustin, such a good hostess and cook, Karen really enjoyed the expanded family dynamic, having sons too.

Resided in Spokane, WA, 1945-1972, Cornelius and Hillsboro, 1972-2021. Moved with daughter, Jill, and son-in-law, Dustin, to Seaside, Aug '21, where Karen lived her last years in a cozy home with frequent elk and bald eagle sightings and the Necanicum River in her backyard. Had many family dinners and celebrated holidays with Dustin's mother, Linda Arrell, who also lived on the property until her recent passing Jan 25th of this year.

A gifted seamstress, Karen was part of a quilting group that donated quilts to Tuality Hospital for premature infants. She was very proud of that; she kept a photo album of all the quilts donated. Karen loved to take walks, rain or shine, often twice daily. Karen and Jim took numerous trips to the Oregon coast and the Columbia Gorge area, enjoying each other and getting in a walk or hike. Mom and Dad had fun visiting her three siblings: her brother, Dave, in Idaho, her sister, Sondra, in Arizona, and her sister, Harriet, in Washington. The sisters took a trip to Las Vegas, which was a memorable vacation!

Survived by husband James Helpingstine, resides in Seaside, OR, with daughter Jill Arrell and son-in-law Dustin Arrell. Her 1st born, Amy Gould, and son-in-law, Dale Gould, Hillsboro OR, Sister Sondra Springer, Phoenix AZ, sister Harriet Anderberg Sammamsish WA.

Preceded in death by her brother Dave Kohli of Post Falls, ID, the eldest sibling, mom was the youngest. Brother-in-law Larry Springer Phoenix AZ

After an 8-year battle with Parkinson's Disease, Karen passed away peacefully on Friday evening, Feb 13th, in her bed at home. Her last words to her sweetheart, her husband of almost 60 years, 'I love you'