Obituary of Helen W Jay

Helen Irene Walker Jay, 90, passed away on April 25, 2012 in Orem , UT with her son by her side. Affectionately known as “Grandma Buttons”, she was born in New Castle, PA June 7, 1921 the 7th child of Charles Rice Walker and Lillie Belle Shaffer Walker. She married Arthur Maxwell Jay on June 7, 1942 and later became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on January 18, 1969. Helen worked at Eckerd Drugs, JC Penney’s and for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Corning and Horseheads, New York. She was accomplished in needlework, crochet, and cross stitch. She was an avid genealogist, and was delighted to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She belonged to a button club in Big Flats NY, and enjoyed creating works of art with her buttons. Although she held many callings within the church, her favorite was working with the Beehive girls and she has remained close to many of the ward members in the Elmira ward. Helen traveled the USA for 7 years averaging 13 moves a year, living in 24 states, while her husband built cooling towers in the eastern states. She home schooled her son, Delbert until the age of 12. They then settled in Corning/Big Flats NY where she lived until 2000. After Arthur died she moved to Provo UT to be closer to her son and grandchildren. For the last 3 years she has resided at Cove Point Retirement Community. She is survived by her son Delbert R. Jay (Doreen), 6 grandchildren Brand Ward (Jesse) of Hudson WI, Corrina Bacon (Stephen) of Saratoga Springs UT, Wry Jay (Adrienne) of Herriman UT, Cohen Jay (Aimee) of Santa Rosa CA, Havila Billings (Jonny) of Springville UT, Donovan Jay of Provo UT. She has 13 great grandchildren with one on the way, and 1 great great granddaughter. She is preceded in death by her husband , her parents, three sisters, three brothers, and one great grandson. Her family wishes to thank special people in her life especially David and Hanne Duke who never forgot her. Also for caring staff and residents at Cove Point and in her final month the staff at Orem Rehab Center. Thank you , thank you we all felt so loved and cared for! Funeral Services will be Thursday May 3,2012 at 11a.m. with a viewing just prior from 9-10:30a.m. at the Grandview 11th Ward Chapel located at 900 West 2150 North, Provo ,UT (off Carterville Road). A graveside service will be held the following Saturday May 5, 2012 at 1:00p.m. at Woodlawn National Cemetery 1825 Davis Street, Elmira NY. All are invited to attend.