Helen J. Crownover

Helen J. Crownover, 79 a lifelong resident of Fort Sumner died Monday, October 7, 2003 at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, NM following an illness. Helen was born July 20, 1924 in Fort Sumner to the home of Walter and Stella (O’Neal) Wright. She was reared and attended schools at Fort Sumner. Helen married E.J. Crownover on October 12, 1940 in Santa Rosa. They made their home in the Fort Sumner valley. Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner since 1953. She was a loving wife, mother, Grannie, Great-grannie, and friend. She spent many years caring for sick and elderly friends and family members in the community. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Charles Wright, two sisters-in-law Nancy Wright and Pauline Wright. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, E.J. Crownover of Fort Sumner; two daughters Jo Ann Schumaker and husband Ron of Surprise, Arizona; Judy Hinde and husband Tom of Denver, CO; two sons Alan Crownover and wife Dee of Estancia, NM and Russell Crownover and wife Nancy of Fort Sumner, NM; also surviving is a brother Denny Wright of Roswell, NM; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Graveside services were held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 10, 2003 from the Fort Sumner Cemetery with Rev. Jim Peabody officiating. Pallbearers will be her grandsons Bruce Dickerman, Paul Husler, David Husler, Eric Crownover, John Olivarez, Jake Gallegos, Tim Hall, Stan Hall, Steve Hall, Lawrence Borrego, Bill Verkest, Terry Schumaker, and Jay Adkins. Visitation will be Thursday from 1PM to 6PM at the funeral home. The family prefers memorial contributions in Helen’s memory to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association P.O. Box 180; Fort Sumner, New Mexico 88119. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (505) 355-2311 www.chavezfuneralhome.com