Rosalee Helton

(From Parker Mortuary)

Rosalee J. (Griffin) Helton, age 84 of Joplin, passed away on April 3, 2015.

Mrs. Helton was born January 7, 1931 in Joplin to the late John H. Griffin and Gladys L. (Guyll) Griffin. She was a lifetime Joplin area resident.

She graduated from Seneca High School in 1949 and attended Joplin Business College. Rosalee worked at St. John’s Regional Medical Center and Freeman Hospital as a medical Dictaphone typist. She also worked at Industrial Linen, Inc.

Rosalee was an active member of Ruth Chapter #177, Order of the Eastern Star. She was Past Worthy Matron of Afton Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; Past Worthy High Priestess, Azotus #5, White Shrine of Jerusalem; and member and Past Royal Matron, Praying Hands Court #15, Order of Amaranth.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Wayne and a brother, Marvin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ruben D. Helton, whom she married on August 12, 1969 in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Survivors include one brother, Herman D. Griffin and his wife, Kay, Loma Linda; two sisters, Barbara Wilson, Joplin, Lillie Shapp and her husband, Buddy, Quapaw, Oklahoma; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

The family is planning a private interment at Burkhart Cemetery, Racine.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.