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Helen Grace Faulkner

Published/Last Modified on Saturday, Jan 26, 2008 - 12:01:27 pm MST

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Helen Grace Faulkner, 60, died Jan. 22, 2008, in her sleep after a 12-year struggle with cancer. She was born Feb. 25, 1947, in Dermott, Ark., to Stanley McCoy Barker and Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Barker. She graduated from Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and Jonesboro High School and worked as a telephone operator for Southwest Bell. In high school, she met Ronald Faulkner, her life-partner. They married April 13, 1969.

She faithfully supported her husband and family in their military career and enjoyed assignments in Kentucky, Maryland, Texas, Alabama, Germany, Korea, Arizona, Hawaii, and Clarion University of Pennsylvania ROTC.

Helen Grace was a devoted daughter to Betty, who lived with and graced Helen and Ron’s lives for 26 of their 38 years of marriage. Helen loved arts and crafts, gardening, and most importantly, her family and friends, especially the special bond with the sister she never had but always wanted, Kathy Perry, with whom many cherished and unforgettable times were enjoyed.

She always put the role of wife, mother and grandmother first. After her children grew up she became a licensed optician where she loved working with her patients at Wal-Mart, Cochise Eye and Laser, and especially Franz EyeCare Associates.

Helen Grace endured much physical pain during her battle with cancer, but she possessed an inner strength that oftentimes allowed her to shield this misery from the ones she loved. She believed in life after death through Our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents and mother-in-law, Claribel Cupp White.

Helen Grace is survived by her loving husband of over 38 years, Ronald Faulkner (retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel); son, David Stanley, wife Tamara Denise, and the pride of her latter years their two children, Lily Grace and Kinsey Jane; son, Andrew Ronald and Johna Laviada; sister-in-law, Connie (Jay) Colmer and children Justin and Courtney; parents-in-law, Charles and Alice Faulkner; sister-in-law, Cindy Faulkner; brothers-in-law, Skip (Janette) Faulkner, Jay (Kelly) Faulkner, and Larry (Pam) Bradshaw; grandmother, Martha Bosche; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donating to the Sierra Vista Cancer Relay for Life, 1636 N. Swan Drive, No. 151, Tucson AZ 85712 or the American Cancer Society, in her memory.

Helen, Mom, Grandmother, My Friend, we love you so much and you will always be in our heart.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at her parish church, St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 800 Taylor Drive, Sierra Vista AZ 85635.

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Crystal Somerset wrote on Feb 2, 2008 6:35 AM:

" Mr. Faulkner,
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs.Faulkner. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember all the times I waited on you two at The Diner; always smiling!! "

Cecy Nelson wrote on Jan 29, 2008 8:41 AM:

" To Dave and Andrew, ,my sincere condolences your family is in my thoughts and prayers. "

gloria grissom wrote on Jan 27, 2008 8:23 AM:

" Helen, you shall be missed. You had such a beautiful spirit. I often think of your smile and your courage and the loving marriage you and Ron had. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. "