of Sherwood, AR
September 13, 1923 - January 16, 2015
Era Sibyl Helmbeck, of Sherwood, left this life on January 16, 2015 to be with her husband, William G ''Will'' Helmbeck; her daughter, Polly Reinold; her brothers, E.J. ''Bill'' and Melvin ''Shorty''; and sisters, Rosamond, Vera, Audrey, Hazel, and Helen.
She was born September 13, 1923 to Era and E.J. Gates, Sr. and grew up in Clark and Union Counties in Arkansas.
During World War II, Sibyl enlisted in the United States Coast Guard SPARS with her father's signed permission. She received yeoman's training after declining opportunities to train as a telephone operator and a nurse. She was given KP duty after declining each of these opportunities, but insisted that the recruiter said she would be given yeoman's training. She served at bases in Miami, Florida, and Washington DC. While in the Spars, she served as a Red Cross volunteer at both civilian and military hospitals.
Sibyl returned to Arkansas after her military service and found a job in the office of the Sadler Ross Car Dealership where she met Will Helmbeck. They started dating and married in December 1946. They settled down in Sylvan Hills and began a family. They had a daughter Polly and a son Bob. After Polly and Bob were both in school, Sibyl began working for the IRS and continued to work there until she retired. After her retirement, Will and Sibyl traveled to SPAR reunions and to visit family.
Sibyl was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church which she joined shortly after her marriage. She leaves behind a son, Bob Helmbeck and wife Betty, three grandchildren Michelle Reinold, Michael Helmbeck, Amy Biggs and husband John, and two great grandchildren Heather Reinold and Madeline Biggs. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and friends who she loved dearly.
The family appreciates the care and attention Sibyl received at Elmcroft of Sherwood. They also appreciate the care and attention given to Sibyl by the doctors and nurses at Springhill Baptist Medical Center including the ER, the Progressive Care Unit, and Baptist Hospice Care.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116 (501-791-7400). The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3802 N. Olive S., North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude's Hospital, www.stjude.org; Trinity Lutheran Church, or an organization of your choice.
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8 Condolence(s)
richard g schneider
Sunday, January 25, 2015
bob helmbeck, bob, I haven't seen you since high school days, but our family moved into the little garage apartment in 1956. my dad was Richard c.sister judy was a down's syndrome girl. momma worked at the air base. we always remembered the good friendship feelings for your family.dad died in 1985,momma in 1995,and judy in 2010. wish you all well.
Brenda & Sam McLaughlin
Friday, January 23, 2015
We enjoyed seeing Aunt Sibyl in the fall of 2013. Even though her health was failing, her mind & spirit was sharp and we all enjoyed talking and laughing. (Loved to hear her laugh).She loved family and talked of how much she appreciated family and friends. She will be missed; looking forward to a Reunion in Eternity with Aunt Sibyl...
June Kelly
Friday, January 23, 2015
Aunt Sibyl will be in my heart forever. She was special in so very many ways. I always knew she loved me and the conversations we had were a blessing. Bob, I know the pain of losing your Mom and you and Polly's family will be in our prayers. She was so very proud of her family. She will be missed. God Bless You All.
Sandi Fredette
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Dear Bob & Betty~ I am so saddened to hear of your temporary loss of Miss Sybil...you have the comfort of knowing you will spend eternity with her. I treasure the years she spent at Pavilion Apts...she always maintained her gentle spirit and sweet smile through every circumstance she went through. I loved our long talks and visits, and the chocolate candies she always served me! She made me feel special when she told me she would play back my messages on her answer machine so she could hear my voice...She missed Polly and her husband so much, so I have to be happy for her...praying for comfort for your family...Fondly, Sandi Fredette
Dean and Jean Gates Ross and family
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
In loving memory of a most special aunt. She was a wonderful sister, sister-in-law, and aunt to our family. Her smile, her sense of humor, and especially her infectious laugh, will always be a cherished memory. Well done, Aunt Sibyl!
Peggy & Kenny Dunlap
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Bob, Betty, and family - you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find His Peace and Comfort in the loving memories.
Era Joyce Dean
Monday, January 19, 2015
I loved Aunt Sibyl so much. She was such a
grand lady and such a good role model for
me. I was so proud to know that she loved
too. I am so glad that I had her for an Aunt.
I will miss her very much. We had her
Mother's name which made us closer.
All said....she was so dear to me and I will always love and remember her. Era Joyce Dean
Janice & Jim Ingram
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Sorry to hear of Aunt Sibyl passing. We will miss her.
The Ingram Family