Helen Lucille Perry

Helen Lucille Bywater Perry, 89, of La Grande, died Jan. 10 at her home with loved ones by her side. Her funeral service was held Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center on 1802 Gekeler Lane.

Helen was the oldest of four children. She was born Aug. 28, 1920, to Lynn Gordon Bywater and Gladys Hatch in Salt Lake City. Her family moved to Melrose, Mont., Marysville, Utah, and then back to Salt Lake City where she graduated from high school, and the LDS Business College.

She worked at a number of jobs in the area before she met Elmer Lewis Perry. They were married May 8, 1942, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They moved to Layton, Utah, then finally to

La Grande in 1946. They had seven children.

Helen had a great love for family history. She helped establish the Family History Center in La Grande, and was a trainer there for a number of years. She spent hours preparing scrapbooks, photo albums, researching information and preparing individual histories for her family.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Helen held many positions. She was also a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers.

Helen was active in 4-H, PTA and helped during elections for many years.

She loved all kinds of flowers and going camping with her family. She kept her home a welcome place for all who would visit.

Her greatest love was her family. She spent hours helping, teaching, guiding and serving them her whole life.

Helen is survived by her husband of 67 years, Elmer Lewis Perry; sons, Howard and his wife, Susanne Perry, Russell and his wife, Wendy Perry; daughters, Marie Bigler, Sandra Sharrard, Charlene and her husband, Craig Hendricks, and Barbara and her husband, Jim Leathers; son-in-law, Richard Hibbert; sister, Ida and her husband, Ron Lamb; brother, Lynn Gordon Bywater and his wife, Muriel; 37 grandchildren; 76 great-grandchildren; and many relatives.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Carolyn Hibbert; a brother, Abram Bywater.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family History Center in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande.

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