Helen Tanksley

Helen Marie Tanksley, 71, of Riesel, passed away at her residence on October 21, 2009. Graveside services will be on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at 10:00 A.M., at Riesel Cemetery, in Riesel, with Pastor Jim Price officiating. Visitation will be on Friday evening, October 23, 2009 from 6 to 8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Helen was born to Paul W. Sielaff and Johanna Kunze Sielaff in McLennan County. She married the love of her life, Billy Tanksley on April 19, 1957 at St Mark Lutheran Church. Helen was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Mart, and confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church in Waco. She was a hair dresser for over forty years. She loved her animals, and was an avid bird watcher. Helen especially loved her family and her grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her father, Paul Sielaff, and a daughter, Kathy Tanksley, and a brother-in-law Weldon Lehde.
Helen is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, Billy Tanksley; daughters, Karon Bennett and husband, Gary, and Karla Tanksley; son, Bill Tanksley, Jr.; her mother, Johanna Finstad; grandchildren, Brittni Summers and husband, Jarad, and Brianna Bennett; sister Bernice Lehde and niece, Vicki Mengelkamp, and husband, Paul.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Mark’s Lutheran Church.