JEFFCOTT, Helen Farrell

Helen Shelby Farrell Jeffcott, 96, pioneer Arizona teacher of Glendale, AZ, passed away at her home on April 13, 2004. Helen was born in Caddo, Indian Territory (Oklahoma), on September 28, 1907. She drove in a model T Ford with her family to Arizona in 1923. She graduated from Glendale High School in 1925, and began her teaching career at an accommodation school on the La Ossa Ranch in Las Moras in 1926. She was a U. of A graduate. She married John Farrell of Harshaw in 1927 and they had one daughter, Mary Ellen, in 1928. After her husband's death in 1935, she taught in several accommodation schools in southern Arizona. She married Edward Jeffcott of Eureka and Rail X ranches in 1939 and they moved to Nogales in 1947, where she taught in Nogales public schools until her retirement at age 65. In all her years of teaching she was an advocate for teachers and students alike. After the death of her second husband, she returned to Glendale in 1980 to be near her family. Helen enjoyed painting, bridge, knitting, Bible study, P.E.O., her friends and family. She is survived by her daughter Mary Ellen (Ed) LeGendre, sister Lois Barkley, granddaughter Randi (Tom) Turk, grandson, John LeGendre, all of Glendale, and grandson Ed (Linda) LeGendre of Tucson. Helen is also survived by nephew Joe Duffey (Sue) of Salt Lake City, UT, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. She leaves her family a legacy of love and passion for enjoying life to the fullest. We love you Mom. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Glendale. Arrangements by Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, Glendale. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/15/2004.