Helen Clarice Gover

Helen Clarice Gover, 92, of Halfway, died June 8 in La Grande. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. June 26 on the hillside at the home of George and Marcia Gover in Halfway. A potluck will follow with the family providing ham, baked beans, potato salad, rolls and drinks.

Helen was born March 31, 1918, to George and Helen Staight Densley in Baker. She attended grade school in Baker.

Her mother died when Helen was 9 and she stayed with a sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla and Vern Manary, to attend school. On weekends, she would live with her grandparents, W.J. and Maggie Densley, in Richland. Later she attended St. Francis Academy and boarded there through her sophomore year. Helen returned to Richland for her junior and senior years, graduating from Eagle Valley High School in 1936.

The summer of 1936, Helen was crowned queen of the Miner's Jubilee. Fifty years later in 1986, Helen was honored to ride again in the Miner's Jubilee Parade.

On Oct. 5, 1936, Helen married Wilford Lovell Gover Jr., in Baker and they made their home in Halfway. They made a living by farming, raising cattle, milking cows and putting up hay for themselves and others.

Horseback riding was a way of life and something that Helen enjoyed. In the spring and during haying season, a tractor became her best friend and she spent many hours in the driver's seat. Those who knew Helen say it was nothing for her to cook for 10 hay men and be back in the field working as soon as the dishes were done.

Helen served on the Voting Committee for 50 years. She helped establish the first hot lunch program for the Halfway grade school. She was instrumental in starting the annual talent show with the proceeds going to help pay for school programs. She was a member of the Baker County Cow Belles. Helen served on the Pine Eagle Clinic Board for nine years and was the chairperson for three. She also served on the Pine Valley Cemetery Board for many years.

Helen belonged to the local bridge club for more than 50 years and attended until her eyesight began to fail. Her favorite place to vacation was Jackpot, Nev. She loved to go and usually came home a winner.

Helen is survived by her sons, Daniel and his wife, Joyce, of Enterprise, Gary and his wife, Mary, of La Grande, and George and wife, Marcia of Halfway; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter born June 4, 2010; and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Junior; and sisters, Priscilla Manary and Ruth Pearce.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Pine Eagle Clinic in Halfway in care of Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place St., Baker City 97814.

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