Sylvana Helen (Genther) Follis

Helen “Skee” Follis, passed away peacefully in Bellingham on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at the age of 95. She was the second youngest of nine children born to Charles and Mae Genther on December 12, 1923. Helen was a loving mother, daughter, sister, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, artist and friend. She was a lifetime resident of Bellingham. Helen attended Campus School, Whatcom Junior High School, and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1942. She married her high school sweetheart, Bill Follis, Jr., on March 4, 1944 in Albuquerque, New Mexico while Bill was stationed there with the Army Air Corps. During the war she worked in an aircraft factory to support the war effort. She was a member of the American Legion Post #7 Auxiliary, where she served as the 2nd district president and twice as
the local president. She was a member of the Bellingham Golf and Country Club, and Eastern Star, where she served as the Worthy Matron, and an active member of Bellingham High School Alumni class of 1942. Helen was a talented artist and a member of the National Museum of Women of the Arts. She enjoyed gardening, painting and especially spending time with family at and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, all eight siblings, her husband of 68 years, Bill Follis, Jr., son Christopher Follis, and granddaughter Elizabeth Mitchell Lovell. Helen is survived by her sons Tom Follis (Karen), Starck Follis (Pam), daughters Melanie O’Suileabhain, Millie Tetrick (Gary) and daughter-in-law Kelly Follis. Helen was blessed with ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren and two on the way. She will also be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225 or online at www.whatcomhospice.org , or to Alzheimer Society of Washington, 1301 Fraser St., Suite A1, Bellingham, WA 98229 or online at www.Alzsociety.org . A celebration of Helen’s life will be held on Saturday, January 12th at 11 AM at Westford Funeral Home. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .