Helen Lois Roark

Helen Lois Roark, 95, of Grants Pass, died Tuesday, May 15 at Fairview Transitional Health Center.

A family graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Park will be held at a later date.

Helen was born to Harvey and Elenor Gunkel on November 14, 1916 at Springfield Colorado. She married Ivan L. Roark on May 26, 1937 at Seneca, Missouri and with him had two daughters, one who died in infancy. In 1946 they moved to Oregon and settled in the Applegate area. In 1955 they moved into Grants Pass.

Helen worked for a number of clothing stores like Ute’s, Templetons, Drews, Griffiths, Montgomery Ward, doing alterations and tailoring. She also did other sewing and alterations in her home. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, tending a flower garden, and going to the Vitality Center for various craft projects during her free time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ivan, and two sisters, Maxine and Velma. She is survived by her daughter Yvonne and husband Don Torala of Cave Junction, two granddaughters Sarah Brown and Ruth Torala of Rapid City, South Dakota, and two brothers Shirley and Doc.