CLARKSTON, Helen Erickson Barson, 86, was reunited with her eternal sweetheart on Thursday, December 29, 2005 after a long illness.

Helen and her twin brother were born June 11, 1919 in Logan, Utah to Edwin and Signe Matilda Erickson. She was raised in Smithfield, Utah and attended elementary and secondary schools in Cache County. As the oldest child, she was always giving of her time to help her parents and had a very close relationship with her sisters.

She married Rudger J. Barson on October 31, 1939 in the Logan LDS Temple. After marrying, they moved into their new home in Clarkston and there they raised their family. Mom loved caring for here home and family and was known for her delicious cooking, and exquisite handwork. She loved to travel and made many memories on family vacations to Yellowstone Park, which is now a tradition shared by all of her children.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was especially thankful for an eternal family. The highlight of her life was visiting with her children and grandchildren and spending time together. Anyone who stopped by to visit was greeted with the latest photos of her family, which she proudly displayed and rearranged daily on her bulletin boards. She was always very thoughtful and never forgot a birthday or anniversary. As such, it was no surprise that some of her last words were “Happy Birthday Bob!”

Helen is survived by her daughters, Faye Loosle of Clarkston, Janet (David) Nelson of Clarkston, and sons Dennie (Kathy) Barson of Hyde Park, Richard (Jerri) Barson of Clarkston, Robert (MerLynn) Barson of Hyde Park, and Ed (Valerie) Barson of Clarkston. She is survived by 24 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren and her sister, Beth Gibson of Salt Lake City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, RJ, her infant daughter Nancy, her son-in-law Joseph Loosle, her grandson Brett Nelson, her mother and father Edwin and Signe Erickson, her sister Carma Anderson and her infant twin brother.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 2, 2006 at 12 noon in the Clarkston First Ward Chapel in Clarkston, Utah. Friends may call Sunday evening from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Allen-Cranney Mortuary, 420 East 1800 North in North Logan, Utah, and at the church from 10:30-11:30 AM prior to the services. Interment will be in the Clarkston Cemetery.

Gram, we all love you and are going to miss you. You’ll always be in our hearts. We know you and your sweetheart are now dancing without any pain, in your fancy shoes and are probably singing, “God Bless America!” When we look up to heaven, we’ll know you will be blowing us all a kiss!

Condolences may be sent to the family and a register book signed at Allen Mortuaries.