Helen Martin

Helen Louise Martin, 90 years of age, passed from this earth to be with her Heavenly Father on November 23, 2020. Helen was born November 4, 1930, to James E. “Sam” Triplett and Margaret E. “Ola” (Tyree) Triplett at Racine, MO. She was one of nine children born to Sam and Ola.

Life on the farm in rural Missouri was difficult at best during the first half of the 20th century, and all the Triplett family learned to work hard. Helen remained a hardworking, independent woman her entire life. She ended her education after 8th grade and went to work at Neosho, MO, as a nursing aide at the hospital.

On October 7, 1948, Helen married Orley W. Martin before the Justice of the Peace at Pineville, MO. Helen and Orley went on to have five children together: Arlene, Judy, Diane, Orley “Bub”, and Jeanne. They remained married through many trials and tribulations until Orley’s death on November 27, 1976. Thereafter, Helen spent nearly three decades with her significant other, Elmer Jackson, until his death on September 2, 2002.

Helen led a very hardworking life. She raised her five children mostly alone. She instilled a hardworking mindset and a good sense of humor into her children. Helen did the best she could, and she was much appreciated and beloved by all of her children.

In addition to her work as a mother, Helen worked as a waitress and/or cook at numerous restaurants during her life. She also spent many years working at the Grove VFW. She was a member of the Grove VFW Women’s Auxiliary for many years, and she volunteered at Grand Lake Villa for many years. Helen truly touched the lives of people with her kindness and caring through her work, volunteering, and friendship.

Helen loved fishing. Anytime she could go fishing was her “happy time.” Anyone that knew her could probably tell a fishing tale about her. She also loved camping or spending days at Buffalo Creek with her children, their spouses, and her many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. The wonderful times with Helen at the lake or the creek will be missed by all of her loved ones, and she will be in their thoughts when they go to the lake or creek in the future.

Anyone that played Pitch or games with Helen probably left the table flustered. She won more often than not. She had such a good sense of humor, and everyone enjoyed playing games with her. Also, there was usually plenty of delicious food around. She was an excellent cook!

Helen enjoyed going to the Triplett family reunions where she could catch up with her very extensive family. She always looked forward to any time she could spend with her siblings. In recent years those gatherings had been reduced to the remaining sisters, and she especially treasured each of her siblings.

Helen was preceded in death by: her husband, Orley W. Martin; her significant other, Elmer Jackson; her daughter, Frances Arlene (Martin) Gaston; her parents, Sam and Ola Triplett; her siblings, George Triplett, Ruth (Triplett) Daniels, and Jim Triplett; and numerous other beloved family members and friends.

Helen is survived by: Her daughter Arlene’s husband, Calvin Gaston; Arlene’s children, Calvin “Mac” Gaston (wife Angie), and Nicole “Nicky” Martin (husband John); Mac’s children, Jordyn, Mikayla, Cali, and Izsabella; Mac’s grandchild, Felix; Nicky’s children, Saybra and Teeley; Saybra’s child, Zakiya; her daughter, Judy Martin; Judy’s children, Lora (husband Dale), and Tina (husband Jay); Tina’s children,

Brianna (husband Cody), and Tori; Brianna’s children, Elli and Maverick; her daughter, Diane Martin; Diane’s children, Amanda (husband Darrell), and Adam (wife Ladonna); Amanda’s children, Trenton and Khloe; Adam’s children, Johnny, Billy, and Charlie; her son, Orley “Bub” Martin; Bub’s children, Mischa (husband Patrick), and Tia; Mischa’s child, Meika; and her daughter, Jeanne Theander (husband Richard); Jeanne’s children, Joshua and Elijah; and Joshua’s children, Charlotte and Julia.

Helen is also survived by her sisters Frances Hartje, Dixie Jay, Virginia Hand, Patsy Greenstreet (husband Jim), and Sharron Campbell (husband Fred). In addition, there are many other surviving extended Triplett family members that she cherished.

Per Helen’s explicit wishes, there will not be a visitation, and she will be cremated. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a celebration of Helen’s life will take place at a later safer date. Family and friends will be notified of that future date.