Lois Mondell Helms

Lois Mondell Helms, 89, a long-time resident of Groesbeck, Tx passed away April 18, 2013 in the Madisonville Care Center, Madisonville, Tx. Born June 23, 1923 to William Robert Jutson and Mamie Martha Stockman Jutson. Mondell attended Groesbeck High School, graduating in 1939 at the age of 16. Two years later she met David Helms, at that time in road construction, and the two were wed at the Groesbeck courthouse Oct 11, 1941. While David was serving in World War II, Mondell unofficially adopted her young cousin, Dolly, who became the couple’s child, along with Phyllis Mondell and Gala Dawn. Upon David’s return from the service they opened Helms Lumber Company. Mondell’s passion was spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling with her friends, and serving the community. She was Room Mother for both Phyllis’ class and Gala’s class from 1st-12th grades, band booster’s president and never missed an activity in which they participated. She was active in the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck and later in the First Baptist Church of Hewitt. She was a member of the Eastern Star and served in several positions in the American Cancer Society. In return she was honored as Groesbeck Homecoming Queen on two separation occasions, first in 1959 and again in 1999. She also won Ms. Cottage of Oak Springs in 2010 and Ms Senior Heart of Texas Pageant 2011. At the age of 54, Mondell enrolled in Tarleton State University, Stephenville Tx, graduating 4 years later with degree in business administration, accomplishing her goal to receive a college degree before age 60. She then worked with the Mexia State School Volunteer program and later became receptionist for the Groesbeck Funeral home for 19 years. Mondell was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ava Kent, her son-in-law Dick Richardson and her granddaughter Lacey Dawn Nettles. She is survived by her daughters Dolly Jackson and husband Ivan of Mexia, Phyllis Strother and husband Ralph of Waco and Gala Nettles and husband Ronnie of Madisonville. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Ivan Jackson Jr, (Christy( Steve Jackson, (Kathy), Rhett Strother, Jack Strother, Matt Strother, Robby Richardson, (Robin) Kelle Harper (Loyd) and Kim Currie, (David)( as well as 11 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Visitation will be held at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Saturday, April 20 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Services will be at the Groesbeck Funeral home Sunday April 21 at 2:00 pm with Bro. Troy Brooks officiating. Burial will follow in Faulkenbury Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Brazos Valley 502 W. 26th Street, Bryan, TX 77803.