Helen Lucille Korfhage

Life-long Walla Walla resident Helen Korfhage passed away on July 7, 2017, in Walla Walla. Born January 19, 1924, to Walter and Anna (Fiedler) Coyle, Helen was the youngest of four children (Clarence Coyle, Donald Coyle, Betty Reynolds).

Her family resided in Walla Walla where her father owned Coyle’s Fuel. She attended Baker Elementary
School and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1942. She studied physical education for two years at Washington State College. During the war, some of the Army Air Corpsmen were billeted in private homes and the Coyles provided lodging to a handsome young man from New Jersey named Robert S. Korfhage. Helen and Robert were married in August 1944. They moved to the East coast until Robert finished his Army service time. Then they returned to Walla Walla where they raised their four children and lived the rest of their lives.

The Coyles were pioneer members of the United Methodist Church, and Helen embraced active participation there, including the Women’s Circles. As a Girl Scout leader for many years, she mentored several generations of young female leaders. She loved local history and volunteered at the Fort Walla Walla Museum, serving on the board and developing exhibits. She loved to play the organ, golf, fly fish, and, above all, relax at her “second home,” the Coyle family cabin on Mill Creek. It was the one place she never could spend enough time; she filled hours telling stories about how she grew up, raised her family and entertained relatives, friends, and acquaintances at“Camp.”

She is survived by her three children, Robert Korfhage (Cindy) of Bend, Oregon, William Korfhage
(Song) of Spokane Valley, Washington, and Virginia Roth of Everett, Washington; son-in-law, Alan
Krauss, Grants Pass, Oregon; seven grandchildren, Kristen Treanor (Dustin), Brian Korfhage (Kari),
Jo Branson (Bill), Stacey Hunt, Kimberly Kocher (Mike ), Deborah Sorenson (Steve), and John Krauss;
11 great-grandchildren, Jackson Treanor, Jane and Bode Korfhage, Baker Branson, Cole, Ella and Grayson Hunt, Emma, Avery, and Mason Kocher, and Alyse Sorenson. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 2008; and her youngest daughter, Rebecca in 2006.

In lieu of funeral services, a family gathering and celebration of Helen’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer United Methodist Church or Fort Walla Walla Museum through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.