Helen Call

Helen Louise Call passed away peacefully at her home on the afternoon of Friday, December 4, 2020, at the age of 99 surrounded by her adoring family.

Helen was born in Malad, Idaho on September 29, 1921 to Henry Thomas Jones and Caroline Daniels Jones. She was 7 years old when her mother died, and she and her two younger brothers were raised by their maternal grandparents. Helen grew up in Malad and attended school there through high school.

She often recalled happy years of growing up in a small town with many cousins, all living on the same street. She enjoyed horseback riding, going to the movies and going to dance halls on the weekend. Boy, could she dance! She told stories of taking the train to Saltaire and weekends in Fish Haven, Idaho. She played several instruments and was in both the band and orchestra. She excelled at the piano winning many competitions.

Helen met her sweetheart Dee in elementary school. They grew up together and later dated in high school. Dee even decided to pick up the tuba so he could join her in the band! While she attended the University of Idaho, Dee was at BYU. Looking back, she wished she could have seen Dad play in one of his college football games at BYU. She was always his number one gal, in spite of their distance.

She graduated from the University of Idaho with degrees in accounting and finance. She was brilliant with numbers and one of the few women attending business school in the 1940’s. She was president of her Alpha Chi Omega sorority and made many lasting friendships there. Helen and Dee married on September 15, 1944 and she joined him in Philadelphia while he finished medical school. They then moved to Key West, FL where he served as a Navy doctor.

It was there that Mom was taught by the missionaries and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Helen and Dee were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Mom was a steadfast, faithful member and student of the gospel. Some of her fondest memories were meeting for early morning scripture study for many years with dear friends from her neighborhood. She looked forward to attending her weekly religion classes as recently as March of this year. A favorite quote of hers was “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words” She was the epitome of this. She quietly led by her example and actions.

Dee and Helen settled in Salt Lake City in 1949 and raised their five children on the Avenues. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader and never missed a swim meet, recital, performance, or game. She spent her days driving her children all over the city to lessons and activities. She often told us to “stand up straight” and was a stickler when it came to grammar. Education was a priority that she instilled in her children and grandchildren.

Our mom was one in a million. Everybody who met her or knew of her would say, “I want to grow up to be just like her!” She was adored and admired by many, was always smiling, positive, unassuming and modest. She made friends with everyone, young and old. She never complained and just did what needed to be done. Mom faced loss and difficulty in her life with incredible integrity and grace. She had a vitality that was unmatched. She was always ready to jump in the car or get on a plane right up until her passing. As much as she loved to travel the world, she always relished coming back to her home of 64 years.

An avid reader, she had a tremendous love of learning. She was using her iPad right up until her passing. She especially enjoyed studying history and was a true American patriot. She loved watching and discussing sports and was BYU’s greatest fan. She was happiest eating a hamburger, drinking coke in a glass with fresh lemon wedges, topped off with a brownie and hot fudge sauce.

Mom had a great love for Jackson Hole and shared that love with her entire family. Every summer was spent there as a family. When she would first catch sight of the Tetons, she would say, “Oh, aren’t they something!” Helen lived a full, independent life, with a sharp mind and incredible physical strength right up until the end. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dee Williams Call, baby son Scott Jones Call, Gregory Kent Call, and her brothers Farrell Jones and David Jones. She is survived by her four daughters Karen (Karl) Haglund of Belmont, MA, Susan (Doug) Stevens of Laguna Niguel, CA, Kimberly (John) Reale of Salt Lake City, UT, Bobby Jo (Fred) Barth of Holladay, UT, 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. We will miss our Number One TETON TROOPER!

A private family viewing will be held Friday, December 11th. A family graveside dedication will be held in the Malad City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS Humanitarian Fund.