Mary Rose Helona

Mary Rose Helona, age 93, of Abbott, passed away early Saturday evening, June 30, 2007 at West Rest Haven. A rosary will be recited by the family at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, with the Rev. Gary Swirczynski, OFM as celebrant. Burial will follow at Fatima Cemetery near Abbott. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Mrs. Helona was born on February 11, 1914 in Hill County, Texas, the daughter of John and Albina (Marek) Parma. She attended Brooken school near Cottonwood. On October 15, 1935, she was united in marriage to Frank Joe Helona Jr. in West. They farmed together for many years until he preceded her in death on March 25, 1977. She worked for over ten years at the Village Bakery in West until her retirement in 1985. She loved to do word puzzles, gardening and spending time with and cooking for her family. She was a member of Catholic Daughters of America Society #829 in West, S.P.J.S.T. Lodge No. 6 in Cottonwood, K.J.Z.T. No. 104 in Abbott and a lifetime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott. She is also preceded in death by one son, John Helona who died on August 22, 1975; two brothers, Joe Parma and John Parma; and one sister, Lillie Kofnovec. Survivors include two sons, Raymond Helona and wife Pat of China Spring and Joe Helona of Abbott; one daughter, Lil Tufnell and husband John of Carrollton; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers will be Ray Parma, Jimmie Helona, Christopher Helona, John Paul Tufnell, Brian Helona, Mark Helona, Michael Parma, Ann Popp, Kelli Tenant and Melanie Fuller. Honorary pallbearers will be the great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Building Fund or Youth Group.