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Helen Louise Elkins, 97, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away Wednesday morning, November 4, 2015, at McKay Health and Rehab in Soap Lake, Washington. Born October 27, 1918, into the Rogersville, Missouri, home of Noel Ernest and Elsie M. Glaubitz Bench, Helen grew up with her two brothers: Cecil and Arnold.

A light breeze gently swayed the leaves on the warm summer day, August 8, 1949, when Helen was united in marriage to U.S. Navy Veteran John Clifford "J.C." Elkins, in Salem, Arkansas. Following J.C.'s career kept their family on the move, with Helen making homes in Corpus Christi, Texas; Springfield, Missouri; and Bremerton, Washington, before settling down in Grand Coulee, Washington in 1970. Helen was a past member of Banks Lake Bible Church in Electric City, Washington; and had enjoyed fishing, gardening and sewing; but her greatest joy was her role as a "loving, caring and supportive mother" to her family.

Helen is pre-deceased by her cherished life partner of 62 years, J.C. Elkins in 2010; daughter, Janice White; son-in-law, Ben Crisp; daughter-in-law, Darlene Bradley; and two brothers: Cecil Bench and Arnold Bench.

Helen's legacy lives on through her daughters: Joyce Hunt (Mel) of Electric City, and Judy Crisp of Springfield, Missouri; son, Eddie Bradley of Raymore, Missouri; son-in-law Bill White of Helena, Montana; grandchildren: Adam Hunt (Sarah), Kevin Bradley and Ryan Hunt (Emily) and great-grandchildren: Collin Hunt, Abbie Hunt and Peyton Hunt.

Cremation has taken place at Helen's request. An inurnment and celebration of her life to take place at a future date.

Her family requests that donations be made in Helen's memory to the charity of your choice.

Please sign Helen's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee is honored to be serving her family.