Helen Nancy Boutsis James Obituary (1933 - 2014)

Helen passed away December 10, 2014 in Draper, Utah. Born October 10, 1933 in Salt Lake City to Louis and Margaret Boutsis, She married the love of her life, Arlo, in Elko, Nevada on May 13, 1953, later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple. They made their life together in Kearns, Utah where they started a family. Helen graduated from Robert Stuers College of Beauty in 1964 and started working in her home shop. Helen and Arlo were involved in many Civic Clubs and organizations. Helen joined the Utah Democratic Women's Club when Dad was in the Utah Legislature. She became the President of the Club and served many years. She was later honored with the Eleanor Roosevelt Award honoring women leaders who embodied the passion, commitment, character and the heart of Eleanor Roosevelt. She also served with the Utah Federation of Democratic Women where she was awarded the Lucy Beth Rampton Memorial Award. She worked tirelessly in Kearns, starting as PTA President at South Kearns Elementary, Kearns Lions Club, and finally as the Chairman at the Kearns Recreation Center. She worked for many years with the town businesses gathering items to supply Christmas Baskets to the needy and Seniors of Kearns. She was known for her hard work and dedication to everything she did for her community of Kearns. Over the years Helen also had many church callings including Relief Society President. She worked in the Jordan River Temple for many years prior to her illness. Mom and Dad lived in Kearns from 1953 – 2001. They shared a wonderful life together for 53 years until dad's passing in 2002. They had four children, Sandy (Craig) Mamales, Georgia Leonard, Mary (Dave) Ridge and David (Chris). She cherished her grandchildren, Sam, Jesse & Nick Mamales, Robert Ridge, Melissa Hind, Amanda Tuke, Michael Leonard, Anthony, Daniel, Devin James, step grandchildren, Whitney Wilson, Misty Jewkes. Her family grew to include 17 great grandchildren. She is survived by all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, her sisters Erma Simpson, Ruth Leonard and Rose Orr, brothers Jimmy and JB Labrum. Preceded in death by her mother, father, brother, George Boutisis, sisters, Kay Etchberger and Margie Brady, granddaughter Julie Mamales and her loving husband Arlo James. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 So.) Viewing will be held Sunday, December 14, 2014 where friends and family may call from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 – 10:45 pm prior to the services. Our family would like to extend our love and thanks to mom's sister Erma Simpson for her devoted time and love of our mother. Also, a special thanks to Assisted Living of Draper for their compassion and care for our mother and our family during this difficult time. Online condolences at www.jenkins-soffe.com Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095