She sang her way into heaven on September 6, 2020, free of the dementia that held her captive the last few years of her life.  Helen was born in Los Angeles January 20, 1926 to Henry & Florence Schneider. She was the 2nd oldest of 4 siblings; Albert, Eileen & Bob.  During her early years the family moved to Cave Junction, OR and back to Perris, CA.  She graduated from Perris HS in 1944 and went on to graduate from Highland School of Nursing in Oakland, CA in 1947.  A pastor friend then introduced her to Whitworth College in Spokane, WA, where she graduated with a BS degree.  While at Whitworth she met and married Robert Chamness, August 13, 1949.  They then moved back to CA for Robert to attend Seminary.

The next 20 years Helen enjoyed watching her family grow, while also being involved in many church & school activities.

On June 12, 1970 she married her 2nd husband, Phillip Roth.  They loved sailing and enjoyed taking many friends and family out. During the summer months they would take Young Life groups for week-long sailing trips in the San Juan Is.  They also loved traveling through the U.S. and around the world (Jamaica, Israel, China, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Russia). They participated in numerous mission trips.

During these years Helen worked as a nurse in several hospitals and taught nursing at Everett Community College. At the age of 50 she earned a Master’s degree from Central WA University. She went on to teach at Tacoma Community College from where she retired.

She is survived by her: 6 children, Susan (Norm), Ruth, Julia, David (Brenda), John (Lani), & Mary; brother Bob (Esther); 12 grandchildren, Matthew (Shanan), Alaina (Joe), Karin (Jarred), Diane, Vanessa (Scott), Peter, Nathaniel, Olivia, Abigail (David), Lindsey, Mitchell, & Camille; 8 great-grandchildren, Teagan, Elin, Linnea, Joseph, Ezra, Remi, Matilda, & Mabel.

Helen loved life to the fullest.  Throughout her life, she had many adventures and experiences and she loved all whom she encountered. She adored her family and her LORD most of all. 

Until we meet again dear mother, God holds you in His arms.  Keep on singing Mom.

We would like to give special thanks to all the staff at Fieldstone Memory Care facility in Wenatchee for loving her and taking such wonderful care of her in these last days.