Helen J. Meilke

Helen J. Meilke, age 97, died Nov. 8, 2011, in Spokane Valley.

She was a lifelong resident of Lind where she spent many years as a farm wife and mother. She was born in Cunningham Jan. 9, 1914, to Fred and Julia Damon, the sixth of 10 children. At 16 years old, she graduated from Lind High School in 1930, then attended Kinman Business College in Spokane.

She fell in love with Art Meilke and they were married in 1941 where she joined him at the Meilke Farm in Lind. Together they farmed until their retirement in the mid 1970s.

She loved living on the farm where she raised her family. She worked hand in hand with her husband. Together they enjoyed their neighbors, friends and growing their vegetable garden. She also loved working in her rose garden.

After Art died in 1988, she moved into Lind where her favorite pasttime was playing bridge with the local bridge club, a game she excelled at and enjoyed. She was an active community member until failing health forced her to move to Spokane, where she lived out her last seven years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Art; her son, Peter in 1999 and all of her brothers and sisters. Survivors include her daughter, Kay Meilke of Lind; grandson, Damon Meilke and daughter in law, Charlene Meilke, both of New York, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was Nov. 15, 2011, at the Lind cemetery.

A memorial service followed at Lind Community Church.

Any memorials or kind wishes can by made by way of contribution to the Adams County Historical Society, Box 526, Lind, WA 99341 or the Lind Senior Center, PO Box 345, Lind WA 99341. Arrangements are entrusted to Danekas Funeral Home of Ritzville.