Long-time Alaska resident, Geneva Maxine Helmers, 88, succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease, Nov. 20 at the Palmer Veteran’s and Pioneer’s Home where she had resided for the last six and a half years.

Private services were held at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wasilla.  A remembrance will be held Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Palmer Veterans’ and Pioneer’s Home, 250 E. Fireweed Ave., Palmer.

Maxine was born Jan. 25, 1920, in Cottonwood, Idaho to Edgar C. and Clara (Kincaid) Wortman.  She graduated high school in Moscow, Idaho, and graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in education.  It was there, in 1940, that she met and married Austin E. Helmers of Wallace, Idaho. Austin was employed by the U.S. Forest Service allowing them to live in many areas of the U.S. including, Missoula, Mont., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Priest River, Idaho, Spokane, Wash.,, Washington, D.C., and finally Juneau, in 1957.

Volunteering as an official at the annual Juneau Golden North Salmon Derby was a highlight of her summers.  She worked in the office at Glacier Valley Elementary School.  She was a founding member of P.E.O. Chapter G.

In 1971, they transferred to Fairbanks.  She worked for Barnett Elementary School until retiring to Coeur  d’Alene, Idaho in 1976.  After two years they returned to Alaska settling in the Matanuska Valley.

Maxine was best known for her stunning flower and vegetable gardens everywhere they lived.  She was also an avid bridge player and active in Holy Trinity Church in Juneau, and a founding member of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wasilla.  She and Austin were active in Paws and Taws Square Dance Club.  She was a member of Pioneers Women’s Egloo #11.  She was always involved with the P. E. O. chapters where she resided.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Austin; daughters, Nancy Thomas (David) of Palmer; Geri Paden (John) of Texas; son, Thomas Helmers (Theresa) of Fairbanks; grandchildren, Scott and Steve Thomas, Kelli Toth, Jessica and Leslie Helmers and Ashley Wages all of Alaska, Kierstin Waara of Michigan and Brandi Deems of Oregon; and nine great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is her sister, Mrs. Jane Pierce, and a niece and nephew all of Twin Falls, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. David’s Episcopal Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 870995, Wasilla, AK 99654 or Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 4406, Palmer, AK 99645.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory.