Hellen Dean, 94, of Mexico, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, MO
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 20, at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Mattson officiating. Burial will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.
Visitation is Friday from 9 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
Hellen was born on November 4, 1927, to Walter Wright and Eunice Henley Wright in Mexico. She married L.J. Dean on February 9, 1946, in Mexico. They were married for 67 years.
Mrs. Dean worked at Jefferson Hotel Café in the 50’s and in the 60’s opened Hellen’s Café on Highway 22, along side her husband’s station, Dean’s Mobil. After Hellen retired from Wal-Mart, her and L.J. bought a motorhome and took a trip from Mo. to California. They enjoyed traveling around in it and joined a Motorhome Club. They spent many weekends seeing different places.
Over the years, Hellen helped with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, Saddlehorse Club, and the American Legion. She was also a member of the Mexico United Methodist Church.
Hellen enjoyed playing Bingo and Playing Cards with her card party. Plus, playing cards with her best friend of 72 years, Mary Jane Scott, and bowling in past years. She loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals baseball, KC Chiefs football, and NASCAR.
Mrs. Dean loved to Crochet and Knit. She made several baby blankets for people she knew. Plus, several Afghans for family members and many gifts.
Survivors include four children: James (Patsy) Dean of Bakersfield, Calif., Gary Dean of Independence, Mo., Joyce Clayton of Orange City, Fl., and Sheryl (Wesley) Butler of Bement, Illinois. Hellen had 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren with another one on the way. She is also survived by two sisters, Ruby Meeks of Centralia and Mary Simpson.
Hellen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one daughter, Carol Ann Dean; and two brothers, George Wright and Homer Wright.
Memorial donations may be made to Wreaths Across America at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville at 1479 County Road 1675, Jacksonville, MO 65260.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
