Helena Lorraine Holdt Shiflett went to be with the Lord on Friday, Jan. 8. Born to Hans and Caroline Holdt, June 26, 1909, on Badger Mountain. Helena was the seventh child of ten children.
     In 1931, Helena married Joel Shiflett on Stemilt Hill, and became the loving step-mother to two children, Joel (Bud) and Clifford. They then went on to have six more children, Helen, Harold, Carol, Richard, Danny and Nathan. They ranched on Stemilt Hill until 1948, when they moved to Okanogan. In January of 1949, they settled in Pleasant Valley, where Helena lived the remainder of her life.
     Helena was known for her giving nature, sweet disposition, amazing cooking, and ability to find uses for anything and everything she owned. She was also a pioneer in organic farming as well as naturopathy before those words were invented. Her children especially loved her mysterious talent for falling asleep while floating in the lake. She was often playfully used as a "raft" for family time at the beach.
     Throughout her life, Helena was a teacher as well as a nurturer. She worked in the Johnny Appleseed warehouses until she became a DSHS education Homemaker, and also taught sewing and upholstery. For many years, she could also be found throughout the valley selling Avon. In her free time, Helena was a 4-H leader, and a life-long member of the Pine Grove Community Club.
     In June of 2009, five generations along with loving family and friends gathered at her home in Pleasant Valley to celebrate her 100th birthday. In her sweet humble way, she came out into her backyard to see the gathering and said in awe, "Am I responsible for all this?"
     Helena will be deeply missed, and is survived by Bud (and Edna) Shiflett, Clifford Shiflett, Carol (Roger) Samse, Richard (Wil'Lena) Shiflett, Danny (Elaine) Shiflett, Nathan (Sandy) Shiflett, twenty-two grandchildren, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. We all look forward to seeing her in heaven.
     Helena was preceded in death by her husband, Joel; as well as her daughter, Helen; son, Harold; and daughter-in-law, Helen.
     A memorial service is being planned for March 20. Time and location are still to be determined.