Helga M. Piver

Helga Marianne Renate Piver was born in Berlin, Germany, on March 31, 1937. On Jan. 18, 2014, she passed away in Walla Walla while surrounded by her family. She was 76 years old.

During World War II in Berlin, her mother was alone with Helga and her two brothers while her father served in the German army. After the war, Helga’s family was reunited in Berlin with all fortunately surviving the war.

During the Allied occupation of Berlin, she met a U.S. soldier, Richard Piver, and they were married in Berlin on Dec. 12, 1959. Richard was a career soldier and Helga and her family moved from military post to military post being stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. as well as several tours of duty in Germany. While caring for her family she was often employed at the Army Post Exchange. When the military career was complete, she and her family moved to Walla Walla. Here she became employed by Goodwill Industries rising to the position of supervisor. She very much enjoyed working with the employees of Goodwill where her sense of humor and organization skills were an asset to all. She was a woman people remembered as a “nice person” who was enthusiastic about life. Her fondest recreation was bowling, where she was an avid and skilled participant winning numerous trophies.

Helga also enjoyed very much her friendship with the German ladies in the Walla Walla Valley. Helga coped valiantly with diabetes for a number of years. She appreciated the support and help she received from Dr. Stroemel and Providence St. Mary’s Medical Center dialysis staff.

Helga is survived by her son, Robert Piver of Walla Walla; and her daughters, Bettina Ricker and Corina Lillemon, both of Spokane; as well as eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Helga’s family thanks the staff and residents of Garrison Creek who made her final years happy. Hospice is also thanked for its support.

Services for Helga will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, at her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1821 S. Second Ave., Walla Walla. Officiating is Bishop Kelly Taylor of the Walla Walla 2nd Ward. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.