"Robert and family, I am sorry sorry to hear about Helen's passing! I just received this on my phone this morning and that her funeral was yesterday; I was having phone problems all last week and just received the phone service back this morning. Helen was a beautiful, thoughtful, and loving woman who made everyone feel welcome. I will miss her bright smile. She was such a trouper even with everything that she went through. I pray that God Blesses all of your family at this time and you find peace."
In loving memory of
Maria Elena 'Helen' Bolton
August 27, 1952 - December 14, 2016
HELEN BOLTON
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Maria Elena 'Helen' Bolton, 64, of Muscatine, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 14, 2016, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at the St. Mathias Church, 215 West Eighth Street. The Reverend Troy Richmond will celebrate the mass. A time of food and fellowship will be held following the mass at Gannon Hall. Memorials may be made to Gilda's Club in Davenport or the Flickinger Learning Center in Muscatine. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Helen will be laid to rest in her hometown of El Paso, Texas. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Helen had a passion for life and dedicated much of her time serving others. She was an active member of St. Mathias Church where she served as a trustee for six years, also serving on the Finance Council, Parish Council, Hispanic Council, and the Board of Education for Ss. Mary and Mathias Catholic School. She volunteered at Flickinger Learning Center where she implemented an incredibly successful English as a Second Language (ESL) program for adults and taught the same program at the Muscatine Community College. She also taught computer skills in Spanish and helped several study for their citizenship. Helen served on the Iowa State University Muscatine County Extension Council, and was a master gardener. She was also instrumental in finding a meeting place for Gilda's Club in Muscatine. Her biggest joy was her family and she loved being surrounded by her children, her siblings and their families, as well as many close friends, who will miss her greatly.
The family would like to offer sincere thanks to the caring staff at the SNICU, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, especially to Dr. Chan and his team, for their gracious care and kindness of Helen.
Those left to honor her memory include her husband of 39 years, Robert Bolton of Muscatine; three sons, Patrick Bolton and wife, Robin, of Savage, Minnesota, Travis Bolton of Muscatine, and Robert Bolton of Cedar Rapids; two granddaughters, Colette and Renae Bolton; three sisters, Elizabeth Heffernan of Bloomington, Minnesota, Susan Higgins and husband, Charlie, of Coronado, California, and Patricia Flores of El Paso, Texas; a brother, Joseph Flores and wife, Leah, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one brother-in-law, Paul Rivas of El Paso, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Eva Flores, and one sister, Christine Rivas.
Tributes
"Robert and family, may the Lord wrap you in his comforting arms. Helen was such a beautiful person, she always had a smile on her face and was so giving. You have our deepest sympathy and we will be praying for you. God Bless you all."
"Words simply cannot express just how kind, gracious, caring, and fun Helen was. Please let it be known that Helen was one of the most gracious, giving, and joyful souls that I have ever had the honor of knowing. She gave herself unconditionally to the service of others though her family, friends, church, and her service to her students here at Flickinger. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. My condolences to her beautiful family. "
"Helen was a strong inspirational woman. She always had a positive attitude and a love for life. She will be missed by many and my thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Helen will always bring to mind joy, courage and a vibrancy for life that is an inspiration for others. God bless you and your family!"
"Robert and sons: I remember when your family first moved here and Helen introduced herself to me right away. I worked at CSB in computer operations when your dad came aboard. Helens love for others was truly contagious and her love for her Robert and you three boys was truly inspiring. It is never easy to say goodbye to those whom we love. Thankfully our trust in the Lord has made it so we don't have to say goodbye, we just wait till God calls us to be with Him and reunited with those who have been called Home before us. While I haven't worked with your dad in years, know that my prayers are with you. You were truly blessed by such a beautiful, godly woman. Gods love be with you in the days and weeks to come."
"Helen will be greatly missed by the Muscatine community. Her presence on the Muscatine County Extension Council will also be missed. Her input was insightful and was valuable to all of us as we made decisions. Our sympathy and prayers go to all of you. Jo Ann Christofferson Chair, Muscatine County Extension Council"
"Bob and family, I am sadden to hear about Helen. I will miss her smile and seeing her at the Knights functions."