Helen Barton Memorial Page

MEMORIAL SERVICE Dec. 18, 1:00 p.m.

Helen Marjorie Rilenge Barton of Keller, Texas passed away December 12, 2020 at Grapevine Baylor Hospital surrounded by her loving husband of 52 years and her three children after a long battle with lymphoma and pancreatic cancer. She was born February 10, 1948 to Helen and Colvin Rilenge near Detroit, Michigan. Her childhood was in Indiana, Dallas, TX, Torrance, CA, and Sacramento, CA as her father worked in the aerospace industry.

She attended the University of California at Davis for three years, where she met her husband Paul. They were married June 15, 1968 at Paul’s childhood church, First Presbyterian in Escalon, CA. After he graduated, she attended the University of Puget Sound, in Tacoma, WA, graduating with a BA in Spanish and Elementary Education. During her married life she lived in Seattle, WA, Morgantown, WV, Los Angeles, CA, before moving to her “forever home” in Texas in 1977. Helen was baptized at the age of 30 at First Presbyterian Church of Duncanville and passed down a legacy of faith to her children and grandchildren. She served on many committees and held many roles, including church Elder.

Helen worked as an Allstate insurance agent for many years, but her most important work was done as a wife, mother, and the most amazing granny on the planet. She showed her love with her amazing cooking, hugs, encouraging words, and eagerness to pitch in wherever she was needed. She was fun, genuine, empathetic, and a great storyteller. She also enjoyed antiquing, including many trips with her “Ya-Ya Sisters”, a group of friends from FPCD.

Helen was preceded in death by her brother, Colvin Rilenge, Jr, her parents Colvin and Helen Rilenge, and her nephew David Gildersleeve. She is survived by her husband, Paul, children Jim Barton (Liza), Georgiana Simon (Sean), and Marjorie Ochs (Ryan), sister Robin Gildersleeve (Jim), nine grandchildren: Dylan Barton, Emma Simon, Noah Barton, Katie Simon, Colvin Ochs, Brooke Barton, Georgia Ochs, Ella Ochs, Rowan Ochs, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

She fought the good fight and won the victory. She is sorely missed. There will never be another like her.