Helen Rose Kimes Lord died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, at the age of 90 in her home in Ocean Shores, Washington, surrounded by loved ones.
She was born on March 12, 1932, in Marion, Indiana to Rhoda May Helms Kimes and Edward Hubert Kimes. She was the oldest of two girls. Helen’s sister, Lois Kay Kimes Kessler, died in 2000. Helen and her sister were both past Honor Queens of Job’s Daughters.
Helen graduated from Marion High School in 1950, and Ball State Teachers College in 1954. She completed her Master’s Degree at San Fernando Valley State College in 1962 and completed Credential Requirements in School Administration and Supervision. She taught school in Frankfort Indiana, Burbank, California and Los Angeles, California, retiring in 1991.
She married Robert Ellsworth Cranor in 1954 and moved to Southern California in 1955. They both became private pilots and flew over most of the U.S., divorcing in 1972.
Helen married Lewis Melvin Lord on Valentine’s Day 1975. They both enjoyed beachcombing, hiking, camping and wood carving. Lewis passed away in December 2020 and Helen missed him dearly. Helen was a lifelong avid reader, loved art and doing puzzles of all kinds. She was a natural mentor to many people throughout her entire life.
Upon retirement in 1991, they moved to Ocean Shores, Washington. Helen taught and supervised AARP 55 Alive classes until 2003. She volunteered at the Ocean Shores Visitor Information Center from 1993 to 2003, when she became the director until 2015. She was an active member of Associated Arts, supervising their annual Arts and Crafts Show each September until 2014. She worked with Beachcombers Fun Fair from 1993 to 2015. She supervised Winter Fanta Sea from 2003 to 2014. She and Lewis were active members of the United Methodist Church most of their lives.
Helen was proceeded in death by her father, Edward Hubert Kimes; mother, Rhoda May Helms Kimes; sister, Lois Kay Kimes Kessler; ex-husband, Robert Ellsworth Cranor; and husband, Lewis Melvin Lord. She is survived by stepsons, David Lord and Paul Lord; daughter-in-law, Elena Lord; grandchildren William Lord and Sarah Lord; and a multitude of beloved friends.
A celebration of Helen and Lewis’s lives will be held on Nov. 12, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Ocean Shores, 557 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, Washington. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance in their name may be made to either the Coastal Interpretive Center or North Beach Medical Equipment, both in Ocean Shores.
