Helen Wright

Helen L. Wright, 93, a longtime resident of Scottsdale, died Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at a group home in Mesa. Helen was born Aug. 23, 1917 in Forsyth, Montana, to Gustave and Ella (Dahle) Olson. Following graduation from Forsyth H.S. she attended Columbus Hospital School of Nursing in Great Falls, Mt. where she became a Registered Nurse. She then became a stewardess with Western Airlines, where she met her future husband, Elden (Sandy) G. Wright, a pilot. The couple was married at the Salt Lake City, Utah, Temple, Aug. 14, 1942. Her first son, Ronald, was born in Salt Lake City. Shortly afterwards, the family moved to Great Falls, Mt. There two more sons were born, Stephen and Ramon, and a daughter, Darla. In 1958, the family moved to Tempe, Arizona and a year later, to Scottsdale, where she has resided for the past 50 years. Along with raising four children, Helen worked from time to time, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. In the early 60’s, she became a school nurse with the Scottsdale School District, retiring from Tonto Elementary School in 1983. Her interests included her growing extended family, playing piano and organ at church, bridge club, water aerobics, traveling the world, cooking, gardening, reading and knitting. She also enjoyed volunteering at Scottsdale Hospital and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Helen is preceded in death by her husband Sandy, and a brother, Arnold Olson. Helen is survived by her sons, Dr. Ronald (Arleen) of Camp Verde, AZ, Stephen (Gay) of Sumner, WA, Ramon (Alana) of Port Orchard, WA, daughter Darla (Ken) Jones of Mesa, 17 grandchildren, and 38 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 22, 2011 with viewing one hour prior at the Arcadia Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4225 N. 56th St., Phoenix, AZ. Concluding services and burial will be at Paradise Memorial Gardens in Scottsdale. Donations, in Helen’s name, may be made to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2929 E. Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016.