Helen Marie Earnshaw

Helen Marie Earnshaw, age 76, long-time and well-known Ballinger resident, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

She was born March 6, 1936 to Don and Bernice (Reese) Kennedy. She graduated from Ballinger High School and attended San Angelo College for a time. Helen married John Weeks Earnshaw on February 4, 1956 in Ballinger. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Helen lived in the area all her life, providing a wonderful home for her family and becoming a successful business woman. Her unique store, The Woodbox, was patronized and enjoyed by folks near and far largely due to Helen’s talents and knowledge. Her family describes her as a “great mom,” and she was a good, kind friend to many.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jack Earnshaw; brothers, John and Bruce Kennedy; mother-in-law, Maurine Earnshaw, and great-granddaughter, Kinley Brooke Earnshaw.

Helen is survived by her husband, John of Ballinger; two sons, Clay Earnshaw and wife, Deborah, of Ballinger, and David Earnshaw and wife, Carole, of Frisco; grandchildren Jeff Earnshaw and wife, Karla, of San Angelo; Wes Earnshaw and wife, Kayla, of Natalia; Emily Earnshaw of College Station; and Ben Earnshaw of Frisco; and great-grandchildren, Jayce and Kimbrey Earnshaw.

Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Omalee Kennedy of Andrews, and Eloise Blackerby of Fort Worth; nephew, Donald Kennedy and wife, Gayle, of Crowley; nieces Gayla Kennedy of Andrews, and Deedra Rowley and husband Bruce, of Katy; and cousin, Rita Rouse and husband, Roland, of Conroe.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday January 11, 2013 at Lange Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger with Rev. Ferris Akins and Bro. Bobby Broyles officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are James (Jim) Bickel, Jeff Earnshaw, Wes Earnshaw, Ben Earnshaw, Kit Hurt, Donald Kennedy, and Roland Rouse.

Memorial donations may go to a favorite charity or “whomever might touch your heart.”