Helen Shride |
| Posted 2009-07-12 by Sharla |
| The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ October 13, 2004 Helen Shride Wickenburg lost a long-time resident of the community when Helen Shride passed away peacefully in her home Thursday evening Oct. 7. She was surrounded by the love and care of her family and friends. Born March 7 1911 in the small community of McAlister, Okla., she moved shortly thereafter to Henryetta, where she grew up. She arrived on the train in Wickenburg in May 1929 with her mother, father, and her younger brother Don. Father Bill was a mechanic at the Vulture Mine and her mother Margaret was a homemaker. The family settled into a home on North Jefferson. Helen was hired as the first cashier at the Pay-N-Takit Market, which later became Safeway. Then she was hired by "Dad" Richards to help out with the Brayton Commercial Company, where the Museum now stands. The Nelsons, like all the early residents of Wickenburg, had their ice delivered daily by Carl Shride. Helen and Carl became an item, but being a thoughtful man their courtship lasted three years. The Shrides married Oct. 14, 1932 and moved into their new home on the corner of Apache and Adams. The home expanded with the births of Betty Lou and Bill. Helen devoted many years of service to the First Presbyterian Church, serving as Sunday School superintendent and organizing years of Vacation Bible School. She was instrumental in taking a group to Montlure, the Presbyterian Church camp in Greer, the first year it opened. She sang soprano in the choir and played the organ for many years. Helen's long involvement in the church was a testament to her strong faith. She could name every minister who served and stayed in touch with them years after they had left town. She is Past Matron of the local Eastern Star Chapter and Worthy Grand Matron of the State of Arizona. The skits and programs put on by the girls at "the Star" were legendary and not always politically correct, but they provided entertainment to the community before the days of television. Business at the ice plant slowed down in the early 1980s and the couple happily retired to the cool climate of Show Low each summer. Helen and Carl were privileged to lead the Gold Rush Days Parade as Grand Marshals in 2000. Helen used some of her spare time to write what she remembered of the history of the early days of Wickenburg, capturing the town from the pioneer days in the early 1930s. She wrote about all of the buildings and their occupants from Railroad Street down to Center Street as well as the first outdoor movie theatre that was located between two buildings on Railroad Street, one of which was the Post Office. Helen's final years were spent at home being cared for with the love and affection she spent her life giving to others. The family would like to thank the caregivers who helped her stay comfortable through her final days. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Carl Shride and younger brother Don. She is survived by her daughter Betty Lou (Paul Hunter), son Bill Shride of Denver, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A celebration of Helen's life will be held on Thursday (Oct. 14) at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church (72 years from the day they were married). An open house will be held at the Shride Family Home on Madison Street following the graveside service. Friends are welcome to come and share in the remembrance and celebration of Helen's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the local Habitat for Humanity organization. The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, AZ Oct.12, 2004. Helen Nelson Shride. Wickenburg lost a long-time resident of the community when Helen Shride passed away peacefully in her home October 7th at the age of 93. She was surrounded by the love and care of her family and friends. Helen devoted many years of service to the First Presbyterian Church. She is a Past Matron of Hassayampa Chapter #35 and Worthy Grand Matron of the State of Arizona. Helen's kindness, faith and spirit touch our lives each and every day. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Carl, sister Virginia and brother Don. She is survived by her daughter Betty Lou (Paul Hunter), son Bill of Denver, 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Helen's life will be held on Thursday, October 14th at 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church (72 years from the day they were married). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the local Habitat for Humanity organization See Also: Find A Grave |
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