Helen L. Tipton

Mrs. Helen L. Tipton, age 85 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., slipped away peacefully at home, Saturday, March 26, 2016, with her children by her side after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Helen was born on December 27, 1930, in Vienna, Mo., a daughter of F.L. "Buddy" and Elsie M. (Graham) Henderson. She was married on November 26, 1953, in Vienna, Mo. to David L. Tipton, who preceded her in death on July 19, 1988. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Helen graduated from Vienna High School. From the age of 17, Helen had been employed with the Office of Administration with the State of Missouri for 42 years until her retirement in 1990. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City, Mo. Helen's main passion in life was her family and she cherished spending time with them, especially her granddaughter, Terian. She enjoyed playing dominos with her cousins, reading and crossword puzzles. She will be remembered for her dry sense of humor and always caring for her family. Survivors include: one daughter, Lisa Meyer and her husband Jim of Holts Summit, Mo.; one son, Lance Tipton and his wife Kim of Jefferson City, Mo.; one granddaughter, Terian "T.J." Tipton of Jefferson City, Mo.; cousins, Bill Graham and his wife Alice, and John Graham and his wife Anabeth, both of Jefferson City, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dave; and her brother, Howard L. Henderson. The family would like to thank SSM Hospice for all the care and support they showed Helen the final week of her life. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2016. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2016 in the Freeman Chapel. Graveside services and interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Vienna City Cemetery on Highway 42 in Vienna, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to SSM Hospice, 1241 W. Stadium Blvd., Jefferson City, Missouri 65109. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com