Darpha Helge

Darpha Eugenia Helge, 95, of Austin, Texas passed away on January 13, 2021 in Smithville, Texas.

Darpha was born in Austin, Texas. to G.E. Carlson and Zelma Robbins Carlson on October 15, 1925.  She attended school in Austin.   She married John Wesley Helge on November 20, 1944.

Darpha worked as a Nannie for the Graham's two daughters for several years before her marriage. After Wesley retired, she went to work for Little Munchkins with her niece Darlene Corbin and her Sister-in-law Bell Helge in the nursery.

She was very active in church and worked in many areas of the church and with the youth for many years. She was blessed to see many children grow up into wonderful adults that worked with her.

Darpha enjoyed many things, first being a Mother to the three children.  The large yard afforded her with a garden and many flowers that she loved and cared for.  Her many prized roses were a wonderful sight to behold and she anxiously awaited the bloom of the Gladiolus every Spring with her neighbor Mildred Walton.  She crocheted many afghans, doilies, and potholders for everyone. Together with her sister, Laura, would sit and crochet for hours.  Uncle Sonny always told them they were just tying knots again Quilting was another art she was very capable. We always had warm quilts to keep up warm in the cold winters.

Darpha is survived by three children: Mary Helge Moore, Bernard Helge and wife Phyllis, Carl Helge and wife Nancy.  Grandchildren:  David Worthey and wife Kim, Jeannette Worthey, Jonathan Ettinger and wife Candy, Kristina Wood and husband Lewis, Minda Egbert and husband Barry, Scott Helge, Lesli Bolin and husband Scott, and Erik Ashby and wife Lizzie.

Great Grandchildren:  Michelle Blackburn and husband Patrick, James Lee Cantwell, Caleigh Kelly, Ashlynn Helge, Meghan Hamill.   Great-Great Grandchildren:  Zane Liberty, Zenith Hamill, Kayden Blackburn, Kimberlin Blackburn, Rachael Wood, Alexis Wood, Emile Egbert, Hannah Egbert, and Hunter Ashby.

She leaves a cherished lifelong friend Vada DeGlandon Mays.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday January 19, 2021.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, January20, 2021.  Burial will follow at Evangelical Free Church Cemetery at 2 p.m. January 20, 2021.

The family of Darpha wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Catherine Meshew and Mark Gardner for his never-ending support for mother and the family.