On a cold Nebraska night, Helen Johnson came into this world. Neighbors kept the road to the old farmhouse open with snow plows in order for the doctor to arrive for her delivery. The eldest of three, Helen's early years included the joy of playing with her brother Lyle around the farm, and the wonderful family gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles and neighbors on Sunday in those early days of the Nebraska settlements in Boone County. Big change came to Helen and her family with the death of her father when Helen was just 14 years old. She had lost a brother in infancy, so she, her mother Rose and brother Lyle moved to California where an uncle had a dairy operation in the Greenfield area. Helen made many wonderful new friends in Bakersfield while attending Kern County High School and First Christian Church. Christian education was her passion, so after graduation Helen went away to Eugene, Oregon to attend Northwest Christian College and continued her education there and at the University of Oregon. In her third year her mother became ill, and she returned to Bakersfield to attend to her and became employed by the YMCA and Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. It was through the young adult group Christian Endeavor at the First Christian Church that Helen first met Roy Farrell. Roy was a confirmed bachelor until he met this beautiful Swedish brunette with hazel eyes. Many dates followed, often to Berkeley for Cal football games. Helen made the mistake of wearing red to a Cal- Stanford game and Roy never let her forget it, being an "old blue" this was a Cardinal sin. World War II was over and Roy returned to his family and teaching job in Bakersfield, and soon accepted a teaching job in Shafter. Helen accepted Roy's proposal of marriage, and the couple built a home on Beech Avenue where they lived for 48 years, raising their two children Cyndie and Gary. The home was a way station of activity as the kids grew up. Helen continued her enthusiasm and dedication to the Lord with her activities in the Union Congregational Church in Shafter becoming church secretary for a number of years and Director of Christian Education. Additionally, she became a Camp Fire Girl's troop leader, and also worked as the first secretary for the newly established Insect Lore in Shafter. Helen leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom. Many would seek out her council and understanding of human nature and Christ's teachings, and she would always give positive advice and guidance, finding and nurturing the best qualities in everyone. After Roy passed away she moved to Glenwood Gardens becoming chairman of the "welcoming committee". After many years at Glenwood, Helen began to decline and she returned to the rural life of her early years as she moved in with son Gary and daughter-in-law Veda in their country farmhouse outside McFarland. She passed away quietly and peacefully at Jasmine Gardens, surrounded by her family and loved ones, just shy of her 88th birthday. She is preceded in death by her husband Roy and leaves behind daughter, Cyndie; son, Gary; granddaughters, Nicole Verrell, Shelli Fuller, Brooke Lauterbach; great grandchildren, Alissa and Haley Fuller, Connor and Aiden Verrell; brother, Lyle Johnson and sister-in-law, Betty; nieces, Kathy Brannon, Claudia Kirsch, Marjorie Barnard, Connie Jefferies; and nephews, Ben, Dennis and Ken Farrell, Curtis Johnson, and a host of great nieces and nephews too numerous to mention. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care and compassion received from Marc and Nelia Barcelona of Jasmine Garden residential care, and the entire staff of Pro Care Hospice. A graveside funeral service will be held Friday, September 14, 2012 at 10am at Shafter Memorial Park followed by a memorial service at 11am at Congregational Bible Church of Shafter, 430 E. Tulare, Shafter, CA 93263. Donations may be made in Helen's name to the Congregational Bible Church Memorial Fund. Please call Peters Funeral Home for more information 661-746-6314.