Elton passed peacefully in her sleep on December 1, 2023.  She was born on December 28, 1922, and would have been 101.  Helen was born at home to George and Grace Spickerman in the Dalles, Oregon, and was a lifelong resident.  She had two younger sisters, Shirley Sawyer and Donna Pengra.  In 1940, she was chosen to be the first Cherry Queen, representing the cherry industry of The Dalles.