Hale, Helen

Helen Hale

Services: Hve been held.

Helen Hale, 86, of Portales, died Thursday, June 10, 2004, at Lubbock Healthcare Nursing Home.

She was born on Feb. 25, 1918, in Red River County, Texas, to Mae Ola and Oco Norris.

She was adopted by her aunt and her husband, Maggie and J. Coy Williams. She graduated from Sam Houston High School in Houston in 1934. She attended the College of Industrial Arts and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1938. She married George M. Hale on July 1, 1938, in Clarksville, Texas. She then earned a master’s degree from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. She taught for 21 years in Clarksville before retiring in 1973. She served as a school board member from 1973 until 1984.

She moved to Portales in 1985, where she was a volunteer teacher’s aid. She was involved in education as a student, teacher, school board member and volunteer for 75 years. She also served as a Volunteer In Mission at McCurdy School in Espanola. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Portales, United Methodist Women, AARP and the Retired Teacher’s Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, George Williams; and by her husband.

Survivors include three sons, George A. “Jack” Hale (and wife, Mary) of Portales, Joe N. Hale (Carol) of Fruita, Colo. and Guy M. Hale of Tacoma, Wash.; a daughter, Cynthia Brandt (Phil) of Austin, Texas; a sister, Nell Ray of Vidor, Texas; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many friends.

The Rev. Harry Riser will officiate the services.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.