Helen J. Little, 82, of Chicora, formerly Artesia, NM, passed through heaven’s gates Tuesday, December 5, 2023, knowing a room had been prepared for her.
Helen was born in Petrolia on December 27, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Wilbur W. and Susan D. Coleman Osmer.
Mrs. Little was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Artesia, NM. Helen was a 1958 graduate of Karns City-Fairview Township High School and later Robert Morris University.
Following employment at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, Helen spent more than 30 years employed by Butler County Children & Youth Services, retiring in 1995.
Helen dedicated her life to raising the three Clayton boys in Petrolia. She worked full days and wore out the crockpot so that she could drive between towns at night to catch as many innings or games of the boys as she could.Â
Helen was an avid bingo player, and though she never thought so, a talented acrylic painter. Summers at camp and fishing from the pontoon boat were Helen’s favorite pastimes.Â
She is survived by three sons, Kenneth W. Clayton and wife Ronda of Artesia, NM, Michael W. Clayton and wife Marlene of Petrolia, and Maj. Rodney W. Clayton, USMC Ret. and wife Rosemarie of Summerville, SC; two sisters, Joyce Briggs of Leechburg and Sylvia Myers of Vandergrift; three stepchildren, James M. Little and wife Michelle of Houston, TX, Joseph W. Little and wife Rebecca of Madison, MS, and Deborah D. Shade and husband James of Houston, TX; six grandkids, Matthew Clayton (Danielle), April Waters (Keaton), Stephanie Doane (John), Brian Clayton (Hanna), Samantha Howard (Daniel), Skylor Morton, Taylor Morton, and Sara Clayton; step-grandchildren, Katelyn Fair, Forest Little (Dawn Marie), Sierra, Savanna, Melba, and Mark Little; great-grandkids, Adi, Nora, Reece, Rylee, Arabella, James, Ellie, Avery, Conner, Kynnslee, Landry, Ethan, and Michael, as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Little, whom she married at Westminster United Presbyterian Church on June 15, 1991; a brother, Art Osmer; a nephew, Wes Osmer, and two brothers-in-law.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City, 128 Main St., Karns City, from 4-7 p.m. Friday and Noon – 1 p.m. Saturday. A funeral service will follow from the funeral home at 1 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Dennis Barger, pastor of Scrubgrass Stone Church, officiating. Interment will be at Hillview Cemetery in The Village of Kepple’s Corners.
Helen was a longtime member of the Petrolia Fireman’s Auxillary. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Petrolia Fire Department, PO Box 237, Petrolia, PA 16050. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.