Helen R.E. Buss
Helen Ruth Enbey Buss went home to a long-awaited family reunion on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, while in Hot Springs, Ark., after a very protracted and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Helen was born in Galveston, Texas, on March 10, 1931, to John Warnick and Letha Marie Lynn Enbey.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother; husband, Vernon John Buss; brothers, Wallace, Dwight, Pershing Enbey; sisters, Genny Ryan, Elsie, Bonnie Jean Enbey; and granddaughter, Shanti Buss.
She is survived by her children, John Hugh Cross (Gloria), William Joseph Cross, Edward Allen Cross (Oksana), Lillie Catherine Skerry (Paul), Daniel Bruce Cross (Carol), Vernon Wayne Buss, Kathy Marie Karriker (Kenneth), as well as 25 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Including all the spouses of the above mentioned, the total is 80. There are also many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Helen was BOI, through and through. With the continued loss of memory, there were four things she never forgot: She grew up in her family home on 31st and Avenue O 1/2, she loved Galveston, she was a Texan, and she loved Jesus. All seven of the Enbey children were born and raised on the island. It took nearly a hundred years and Hurricane Ike to force the last Enbeys off the island. With the loss of her house, after Hurricane Ike, she moved to Hot Springs, Ark., where some of her children and grandchildren live.
She had an outstanding work ethic which she displayed every day and, by example, taught this to her children. Being a divorced mom, Helen persevered and provided for her children on waitress tips, rejecting the new government programs being offered. She never received any child support. She was from a self-sufficient people and she never lost that independence until late into the Alzheimer’s.
Helen was a poet and lyricist. Her songs were recorded by several artists, including the late George Jones. Although none were hits, they were Top of Charts in our house.
The last six weeks of her life, Helen would often say, “We’ve got to get to Galveston. Everyone is waiting on me.” She’s gone home. Visitation is at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Ark., from 5-7 p.m. today.
Arkansas services will be held at Caruth-Hale at 10 a.m. Thursday, service led by Pastor Rob Young, of Crossgate Church.
After the service, the family will gather at Danny and Carol’s home for a meal and fellowship of remembrance.
A graveside service will take place at Grace Memorial Cemetery in Santa Fe, Texas, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, led by Pastor Teddy Cross, of Walnut Valley Baptist Church (Arkansas), followed by a reception at Arcadia First Baptist Church in Santa Fe, Texas.
Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.