Deaths Funeral Notices
Helen Genevieve Pole
Helen Genevieve Pole left us on the evening of April 30, 2021 after losing a brief battle with a naturally occurring illness that proved impossible to overcome.
Born at the Hoopa Valley Hospital on 12/1/1939 at 4:45pm to Sherman Wilbur and Mary Marie Roberts of Weitchpec, Ca.
A studious student through out she would be the high school prom queen and later attended Heald Business College in Sacramento California.
Helen at all of 5 foot tall would return to Hoopa working at Humboldt Fir and Masonite on the green chain before transitioning to a career position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a job than in time would lead her to Redding, Ca then Sacramento, Ca where she would retire.
In the late 1960’s and 1970’s she could be seen running around the valley in her red 1968 Shelby GT500KR. Some would wonder with her height, or lack of, how well she could see over the dash of her hotrod.
Always one for fashion, Helen had a sense of style, love of sparkle and a definite love for the red white and blue. She did have rather unique way of blending traditional Native culture with fashionable dress while adding a touch of patriotism when in the mood which was often.
She, along with husband Clifford would raise 2 sons Carlton who currently resides in Yerington, Nv with wife Chris. Her youngest son Jeffrey resides in Hoopa.
Helen was very proud of her native heritage. She maintained a respectable basket collection and owned much jewelry collected from all tribes across the west.
She enjoyed world travel and the experiences of other cultures as evidenced by the many times that she traveled overseas. At one point she sailed the Panama Canal on a cruise ship unaccompanied. A gutsy endeavor for sure that would intimidate many.
Being a breast cancer survivor was a source of pride for her.
Helen was preceded in death by her bothers Kenneth and Wesley. She leaves her brother Glen along with wife Bonnie of Hoopa, Sister Wilma of Hoopa and her two sons Carlton his wife Chris, and Jeffrey. She also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and her group of very devoted friends
There will be a family viewing at Pauls Chapel 1070 H St., Arcata. Ca Friday May 14 from 4pm - 5 pm followed by a public visitation from 5pm to 7pm.
Burial services will be Saturday May 15 at the family cemetery at Martins Ferry, Ca at 12 noon. Following will be a luncheon at the Yurok Tribal Facility. Food will be provided. Please bring your stories!
Mary Lee Barnes
Mary Lee Barnes, 83, passed away on March 12, 2021. Mary Lee was born on October 22, 1937 in Okanogan, Washington to Frank and Pauline Davis. Mary was retired after many years as a CNA, she also worked as a police dispatcher in Rio-Dell. Mary was very effective in both careers receiving many accolades. Mary had also served proudly as an ambassador for the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce. And was a member of the Red Hat Society. Mary was an avid amateur genealogist, she was also a collector of many treasures but had a great love of doll collecting. Mary was preceded in death by her parents. Her first husband William Samuel Reed "Tex", her former husband Ray Barnes and an infant daughter. Mary is survived by her daughter Nancy Raven (Matt) of Lemoore, Ca., daughter Pauline ( Dan ) of southern Humboldt, Sons Frank Reed of Fortuna, Ca. and Herman Reed (Lourdes) also of Fortuna, Ca., as well as numerous Grandchildren Great Grandchildren, brothers sisters, nieces and nephews. Our family would like to express our love and gratitude to Lourdes Reed for the excellent care of our Mother these many years. We are also grateful to the staff of St. Josephs who cared for and eased the passing of our Mother. We also thank Gobles Mortuary for their help and professionalism.