Helen Faye Coates

Helen Faye Coates was born October 23, 1939 in Oldfield, Missouri and died in Visalia, California on May 24, 2022. Born Helen Faye Harville to loving parents Glenn and Faye Harville, Helen’s life was marked with tragedy by the sudden death by auto accident of Glenn. Family rallied and life continued. Michigan City, Indiana was setting of the family’s home and progress. Helen married Joseph Comer in 1959. Todd Glenn and Brad Allen were born to the family. An opportunity in banking motivated the move to Visalia in 1968. Working at Gottschalk’s and raising two boys occupied most of Helen’s time and attention. Ultimately, Helen accepted John (“Jack”) Sherwood Coates, Jr.’s proposal of marriage. The two were married in 1989. Trade Club, Shriners, hospital guild and quilting were the settings on which friendships were developed. Helen’s quilting skills were notable. Dementia initiated a decline in our mom’s capacity, a circumstance we began to chronicle even prior to 2017. The family extends a sincere “thank you” to the staff of Quail Park Memory Care for your love, care and concern for Helen in the final years of her life. Helen is survived by Joe Comer, her sister Susan Welday, brother Harold Harville, Dorothy Kuehter (George, daughter Kristen), John Coates (sons Ryan and Aaron), Todd Comer (Cathy, children Tyler, Ryan and Christie), Tracy Hite, and Brad Comer (children David and Megan). We watched with surprise as dementia impacted you. We miss you sorely. Rest in peace. The Good Shepherd, Lord Jesus Christ, is faithful and attends our way with mercy and grace.