Helena H. Whitstine

Helena H. Whitstine, age 75, passed away on Oct. 31, 2017, at her home in Palmer, Alaska. With a captivating energy that radiated from her 4' 10" frame, people near and far were drawn to Helena. Always exhibiting her generous, kind and giving spirit, Helena was more than willing to help anyone in need. A Southern belle at heart, no one was a stranger to Helena. As a foster mom to over 200 children, her impact on others is far-reaching.

Helena was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on April 30, 1942, to John and Ethel Hutchins. She later moved to Edna, Texas, and met her future husband, Thomas (Tommy) Whitstine Sr. After marrying on Dec. 23, 1959, the Whitstine family remained in Texas for 15 years. During that time, Helena balanced becoming a mother to two rambunctious boys and being a physical education teacher at Shields Elementary School and Patti Welder Junior High School in Victoria, Texas.

Thomas and Helena made the trek to Anchorage, Alaska in 1974, as Tommy continued his career in the oil industry. Helena remained active with Boy Scout activities, as well as teaching at St. Mary’s Pre-Kinder School and as an instructor with Stretch ‘N Sew. The family then moved to Palmer in August 1979, where Tommy and Helena began their long journey as foster parents. They adopted five sibling foster children in 1992.

In recent years, Helena was a fierce outdoorswoman, and loved spending as much time as possible seeing Alaska’s beauty. She was also devoted to her family, always taking the time to support her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her spunky and radiant personality.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Thomas Whitstine Sr; Children:

Thomas Jr. and wife, Sherry, of Wasilla; Jeff and wife, Sandra, of Palmer; Amy and husband, Gavin, of Palmer; Steven, of Anchorage; Rodney, of Anchorage; Stacey and husband, Jesse, of Palmer; and Lilli, of Palmer; Grandchildren: Jennifer, Scott, Emily, Britny, Alex, Brooke, Lauren, Odin, Skyler, Hailey, and Aurora; Great-grandchildren: Ezra, Uriah, Kodi, Aubree, Abel, Audiyah, Jade, Harper, & Laina.

She is also survived by siblings: brother, Lee Hutchins and wife, Roberta, of Sinton, Texas, sister, Mrs. Mac Owen of Sinton, Texas, and brother, Charlie Hutchins and wife, Nelda, of Georgetown, Louisiana.

As well as many nephews and nieces and the friends that she considered family.

Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life in honor of Helena H. Whitstine on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Palmer Moose Lodge, located at 1136 S. Cobb St. Potluck to follow the celebration of life ceremony.