Kathleen (Babcock) Obituary

Kathleen Virginia Helmick (Babcock), age 91, passed peacefully May 5, 2023 in Kennewick, Washington. She was born June 13, 1931 in Ridgway, Colorado to Myrton and Violet Babcock. Everyone called her "Ginger". Ginger was raised in a Christian home with one brother and four sisters. She moved to Fort Bragg California to help with family at the age of seventeen. She met the love of her life Ralph Charles Helmick and they were married November 12, 1949. They enjoyed being snowbirds and traveling during their retirement years. At the time of Ralph's passing in 2004 they had celebrated 52 years of marriage. She was a devoted mother to five children. They were raised in a loving Christian home in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Family time was very important to her. She loved picnics, camping and swimming anytime of the year. She was especially fond of Spring and Fall scenic drives. Her favorite foliages included azaleas, dogwoods, redbuds, and aspen. Holidays were always extra special from Easter potluck dinners to a festive Christmas season. Her fondness for anything Santa expanded into a cherished collection over the years. In 1971 she became a grandmother and would go on to have 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Ginger's family was the joy of her life. She loved to talk about them and was very proud of each and every one of them! She was "Aunt Ginger" to numerous nephews and nieces and was a loyal friend to many. She leaves behind her sons, Charlie (Margie) Helmick of Duncanville, Texas, Jim (Judy) Helmick of Sheridian, Wyoming; daughters, Sharon (Dan) Mabe of Skiatook, Oklahoma, Shirley Falls of Pasco, Washington, and Mary (Steve) Ridener of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Ginger is preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Ralph Helmick; Parents, Myrton and Violet Babcock; brother, Phil; sister, Shirley; son-in-law, Otis Falls; granddaughter, Jennifer Banks; and dear friend, Lena Nash. She leaves a great legacy and will live in our hearts forever. Ginger will be laid to rest next to her dear husband Ralph at Grandview Cemetery in Montrose, Colorado on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Flowers can be ordered locally in Montrose, just ask to have them delivered either to the cemetery and/or Crippin Funeral Home.