Helene M. Hendricks of Mount Vernon, Wa. passed away June 24th 2021.

She was born in Portland Oregon Dec. 27th 1926 to James F. Duffey and Seraphine H. Duffey.

The family lived in California until the early 30's when Helene's father became ill and was hospitalized at the Veterans Hospital in Helena, Montana. Her Mother returned to Harlowton, Montana with Helene and her sister Mary. Where they lived with the Labries. They had a large extended family there including Aunt Estelle Sedgwick(Brewster) who had eight children, along with other cousins and family friends. They were very secure until their Dad could come home.

In 1941 the Duffey family relocated to the Pudget Sound area. Where they were among the initial "War Workers), Helene graduated from North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo, WA.

Helene and Reubin H. Hendricks Jr. Married in Suquamish WA. in 1947. Reubin serviced in the US Navy until ill health forced his retirement in Sept. 1954. In the years that followed Helene and Reubin had twelve children. Seven boys and five girls. Tragedy took their baby daughter, Jeanne in 1960. The family worked together in farming ,logging and construction. Volunteering in Scouting, 4-H, FFA, and with the VFW.

In 1973 they immigrated to Burns Lake B.C. after two years, they moved to Alaska. Working on the Alaska Pipeline, And then opening a Automotive business in Delta Junction.

Divorced in 1981, Helene continued with her job in Civil Service, first at Fort Greeley, Alaska. Then Fort Polk, Louisiana, and back to the Naval Shipyard at Bremerton WA. Helene was a great volunteer, she worked with the rescue squad in Delta Junction for two years. Trained as an EMT and EMT-p, served in Alaska, Texas and Louisiana. Was active in Kitsap County, and after retirement Skagit County Search and Rescue. Helene moved back to Skagit County in 1990, she worked with the in Home Health and started working with American Red Cross in 1991.

In 1992, Helene was chosen United Way Volunteer of the Year.1992 was a busy year, selected as Coordinator for the Western WA. Resource Council facility program in Concrete WA. Also acting as Disaster chairman for three years, developing disaster training ,volunteer base and directing disaster response in Skagit County. In 1997 Helene was awarded Skagit County Volunteer of the Year.

Also in 1997 Helene became a Disaster Reserve for the American Red Cross, her Motto was "Have Hands Will Travel" and she did. Starting with Hurricane Andrew and continuing with the Pentagon during 911.

The pleasures of her life were her family, her second family the ARC volunteers and staff she worked with and all the friends she made during her life. Each day an adventure, her family and their children her treasures

She is survived by her children and their families. Mary and Darrell Jones, James Hendricks, Michael and Sue Hendricks, John Hendricks, Sarah and John Tucker, Patrick and Kathy Hendricks, Robert and Linda Hendricks, Joseph and Valerie Hendricks, Catherine and Bernard Strachila, Ellen and Mike Murinko. Twenty Seven Grandchilren, Forty Three Great Grandchildren, and Nine Great Great Grandchildren.

She is preceeded  in death by her parents, infant brother, sister Mary, daughter Jeanne, son Martin. former husband Reubin.

Donations can be made in Helene's name to Hospice of the Northwest, The American Red Cross, or the VFW.