Helen Gidley

A remarkable lady of Fulton Missouri left us on October 12, 2021, at the age of 91. Helen Gidley was a terrific mom and Grandma with a quick wit and a funny sort of giggle laugh, especially late in the evening amongst her friends with a drink in hand. Helen was a fixture on Fulton’s Court Street, where she ran Gidley’s Shoe Store for 18 years with her husband Wesley, and another 20 years after that on her own after Wes’ passing in October of 1989. Helen had terrific friends and spent many evenings with them around the round table at the Fulton Country Club. Helen Marie Loida was born at 3am February 19, 1930, in her family’s St. Genevieve Missouri home. Helen was the second of three children born to Christine and Andy Loida – the youngest Mildred and the oldest Ralph. When asked about the time of her birth, Helen said, “maybe that’s why I like parties so much!” Her favorite subject in school was public speaking, which should come to no surprise to anyone visiting the shoe store. Helen married Wes Gidley on March 31, 1951, and lived in St. Louis, Wes working for Samuel Shoe Company. They moved to Fulton in 1961 for Wes to start the new plant, living on Wood Street across from the 3rd hole at Fulton Country Club. Helen’s daughter Terri was born in 1958 and married Mike Heller in 1988. Mike and Terri have three children: Alex, Abbey, and Andy – which Helen spoiled generously. Helen loved a good drink, good friends, her grandkids, a hot slot machine, and of course, shoes. The family is grateful for the support and kind care provided by the Fulton Manor nursing home for many years. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Fulton. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences may be left for the family on this site.