Helen Christine Leutheuser Walton born July 2, 1926, passed away May 25, 2018 at the age of 91. She died peacefully at home in Laguna Hills, California, in the presence of her three daughters: Christine Buccola of Laguna Niguel, CA (wife of Daniel), Julia Roberson of Brentwood, CA (wife of Alan), and Jane Wahl of San Clemente, CA (wife of Gene). Helen was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl, in 2013, and brothers Richard, Paul, Frank and Harold and sister Dorothea (Thompson). She is survived by brother Edward and sister Louise (Meckley).
Helen was born in Addison, Michigan, one of three daughters and five sons of Andrew and Florence (Smith) Leutheuser. Growing up during the Depression in a large family in a small village, Helen developed sound values of responsibility, integrity, sacrifice, and respect. As a young child, Helen helped out in her father's general store. She learned the ropes of how to conduct business, attend to details of merchandising, and provide good customer service. A diligent, vivacious, and well-rounded student, Helen graduated from Addison High School as Valedictorian of her class.
After the war, Helen married Carl, her high school sweetheart. Together, they designed and he built their first home in Somerset, Michigan, and later they moved to nearby Hillsdale. In 1963 they headed West to Covina, California, where they both worked at Alsons Corporation, a business founded by her father. Helen served as a member of the Board of Directors and excelled as Advertising and Promotions Manager. There she applied the skills she learned as a child, combined with her sense of vision, design, and love for people. Helen and Carl were the epitome of the Greatest Generation of Americans. With their tireless work ethic and firm belief that "a job worth doing is worth doing well," Helen and Carl gave their full dedication to any project. In retirement, they moved to Palm Desert and in their later years, to Laguna Hills.
Helen and Carl loved to travel. They delighted in numerous ocean and riverboat cruises around the world. They traveled for enjoyment, as well as the opportunity to learn about cultures and history first-hand. On many trips, Helen and Carl provided for their daughters and husbands to join them, and they treasured these opportunities to make fond memories together.
Helen had the gift of hospitality and loved to entertain. She was a gracious hostess and consummate homemaker. Helen was a fine seamstress, and also expressed her creativity through floral arranging and crafting lovely objects of unique materials. Above all, she was a loving wife and mother. Helen and Carl's marriage of 67 years was an example of abiding love, commitment, and sacrifice.
On June 9 there was a family memorial luncheon at the home of Mark and Alicia Buccola in Laguna Niguel, California. A memorial service will be held 10:30 am Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the Somerset Congregational Church in Somerset, Michigan, with Pastor Lucas Miller officiating followed by a gathering for family and friends at Meckley's Flavor Fruit Farm in Somerset Center, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers a memorial donation is suggested in Helen's name to the Florence Leutheuser Memorial Fund at Hillsdale College, Institutional Advancement, Hillsdale College, 33 E. College Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242.
Local arrangements are entrusted to the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Addison, Michigan