Helen L. Garlow, 96, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on March 28, 2021 of natural causes. She has been greeted with open arms by her sweetie, Jim Garlow. She was born on November 29, 1924 in Marion, Illinois to Carl C. and Elsie Mae Adams.

She married Jim at the age of 17 in Michigan, while still in high school. She lived with her mother until she graduated from high school, while Jim joined the Army. She graduated salutatorian of her high school in 1943. Right after graduation she went to work in an assembly line inspecting bolts and washers for military airplanes. Helen and Jim shared 77 wonderful years together. They were blessed with 4 children, James Donald Jr; Thomas Richard, Gerald Lee, and Susan Ann. After living in Michigan for many years, they moved their family to New Mexico in 1965. Helen was an active member of 6th St. Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher, worked in G.A.’s and loved to volunteer in Vacation Bible School.  When 6th St. decided to build IHBC, she moved her membership there and continued to do God’s work, until she was no longer able.

She enjoyed going camping, working in her yard, canning fruit and vegetables from her garden, feeding the outdoor birds, all kinds of crafts, going to yard sales and sewing. She used to make homemade Cabbage Patch and Barbie doll clothes to sell to help supplement her family’s income. Helen worked many years at Silver High School cafeteria, where she made many good friends.

She was the most loving, compassionate and generous person one could ever meet. Her greatest blessings were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she loved them beyond measure.  

Helen is survived by her children, Thomas Garlow (Lynn) of Eager, AZ; Gerald Garlow (Debra) of T or C, NM; and Susan Baker (Jesse) of Silver City; 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild, her sister in-law, Pearl Oetjens of Grass Lake, MI; and many nieces and nephews who loved their “Aunt Helen”. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband James (Jim) in 2019; their eldest son, James (Jimmy); her parents, Carl and Elsie; her sisters, Virginia, Isobel, and Violet; brother, Robert; a sister in-law, and 3 brothers in-law. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Services will be held Friday, April 16 at 11am a Bible Baptist Church (1735 E. 32nd St.) in Silver City, with Pastor Daniel Moser and Pastor Don White Sr. presiding. Lunch will be served following the service at the church. Interment will be at 2pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her loving husband.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.