Dardanella Helton

Dardanella Helton, 87, of Clovis, New Mexico, died Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis. She was born July 1, 1920 in Groom, Texas to John Edward and Mana Roach Whatley.

Dardanella attended school in Groom and after graduating from high school she attended West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. She received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. During this time, she met her future husband, Joe Helton, who was also attending West Texas State University.

At the onset of World War II, Joe enlisted as an Army Air Corp bomber pilot. They were married October 1, 1943 and she traveled with Joe to various military destinations. During the time Joe was flying missions in the Philippines, word was sent to him that their son, Hal Helton, was born in March of 1945. Hal was nearly eighteen months old before his Dad ever got to hold him. During this time, she and Hal lived in Amarillo with her parents who had moved from Groom.

After Joes discharge from the military, the three Heltons moved to Texico, New Mexico in 1949. They purchased an oil company, which they named Helton Oil, Inc. where she was the bookkeeper and office manager for many years. It is still operated by their son, Hal and his wife Gloria, now approaching 57 years as a family owned, operated business.

Dardanella was a charter member of the Texico-Farwell Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority. She held numerous positions and received and received various honors during her many years of service. She was a long time and active member of Hamlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Farwell where she served on several committees and the administrative board.

Dardanella has always been a friend and caretaker throughout her community. She was a member of several bridge clubs and thoroughly enjoyed her friends and their fellowship. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed her yard with its various trees and flowers. Traveling was always a fun outlet and she enjoyed sightseeing ventures.

Her greatest love besides her sweet son, Hal, was the reward of being a Grandmother to Kyle and Kymberly. Kyle is serving with the U. S. Air Force at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. He is marred to Alicia and has a son, Justin, who will be four in March. Kymberly is attending Texas Tech University.

Dardanella is survived by her son, Hal Helton Gloria of Clovis; her grandchildren and great grandson; 1 sister-in-law, Billye Whatley of Amarillo, Texas and cousin, Wylafae Whatley of Amarillo. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and 1 brother, Troy.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2008 at Steed-Todd Chapel in Clovis with Ken White Jr. officiating. Entombment will be at 4:00 p.m. CST at Llano Cemetery Mausoleum in Amarillo.

Honorary casket bearers will be Lewis Cooper, Mike Pomper, Merle Terry, Roy Woodard, Ryan Williams, Jerry Whatley, Bill Brown, Bud Fields, Maurice Waters and Elmer Hargrove.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cal Farleys Boys Ranch, the New Mexico Boys Girls Ranch or the Lions Eye Bank.

Service

SteedTodd Chapel
800 E. Manana
Clovis, NM  88101
Saturday, February 16, 2008
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Llano Cemetery Mausoleum
2900 S. Hayes
Amarillo, TX  79105

Memorial Contributions

Cal Farleys Boys RanchGirlstown
P. O. Box 1890
Amarillo, TX  79174

New Mexico BoysGirls Ranch
P. O. Box 9
Belen, NM  87002

New Mexico Lions Eye Bank
2501 Yale Boulevard, SE Suite 100
Albuquerque, NM  87106