Born January 13, 1927- Daughter of Alvin and Ellen Deater
- Married Thomas Eugene Wilson
- 2 Sons: Gary and Cork
- 4 Grandchildren
- 4 Great Grandchildren
- 1 Great-Great Grandchild
In Honor of Helen Deater Wilson
Submitted by: Grandsons Charles and Gary Paul Wilson
Our grandmother is very special to us. I (Gary Paul) only remember my grandmother in her wheelchair, but I know she walked at some point because she went with my brother (Charles) to Disney. [I’ve seen the pictures]. I’ve heard stories of her driving— I think mostly to remind me how not to drive. I’ve seen pictures of her standing outside their farmhouse and of her back before she was married. I even remember seeing her stand once at the kitchen counter cooking something for us.
I remember she watched a few of our little league baseball games from the comfort of Pop’s truck when we played in Mifflin. I remember how she taught me how to bake cakes. We didn’t use a written recipe; it was all in her head. I would just dump in ingredients until she would say that’s enough and our cakes would always turn out just right. [The same technique however almost caused me to fail HS Home Economics.]
I remember playing cards; she usually ended up being my partner and as my grandfather always says, “she always wins.” I remember when Charles decided to get married on the farm to ensure she could attend. I remember when she offered me her wedding band to give to my wife before I even mentioned the thought of engagement. I remember how she came to my outdoor wedding in Aunt Verna’s van. Pop drove it up a steep logging road instead of letting us move her to the 4×4 vehicle we had ready for them.
But most of all, I remember my grandmother with my grandfather. They were always together, 62 years (exactly twice my entire life). What I remember most, is them both together. I remember them at mealtime and for card playing around the kitchen table. Our meals started with a prayer of thanksgiving, and our card games would sometimes end with swearing; but the love they had for others and us was unbreakable. No matter what the situation, no matter what was going on, there was always room for another at the table. People always felt welcome and there was always company at their home. Often grandma would let me play her hand and she would disappear to the living room. I always thought she did it so my brother or I could have the thrill of playing cards but later realized it was so she could help and support the people who needed her guidance in the living room. It wasn’t until I got to experience it for myself that I was on to her. Our grandmother always puts others first and her own needs last. She prays for people continually and can always find the brighter side of a situation. Our grandmother, like her sisters, is simply irreplaceable.