Garnet was born Aug. 15, 1921, in Bend to Benjamin and Pearl (Ashby) Rhodes. She was the youngest of seven children and was named after the first born baby girl, Garnet Marie, who passed away at nine months of age. Garnet reminisced fondly of her childhood and shared many wonderful stories of her parents and siblings. In 1933, she traveled to Illinois with her parents, one sister, and her grandmother in a Model T Ford, a trip she spoke of often.
She married John L. Helm in Feb. 12, 1938. Together they had four children, three daughters and one son. John Passed away in 1969, at which time she obtained her driver’s license and went to work at Burnham’s Department Store, where she was known for her excellent sense of style and ability to accessorize. Her customers adored her and many stayed in contact with ‘Garney’ years after she retired.
Garnet is survived by her children, Carolyn Toliver, Mohave Valley, AZ, Joan Primm (Joe), Klamath Falls, OR, Benitta Bohnenkamp (Bill), Bend, OR, and John Helm Jr (Kyong Suk), Spanaway, WA; ten grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and one granddaughter, Susan.
A family celebration gathering of tribute and love will be held at a later date.
A private family burial will be held at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.
