Helen R. Testerman Obituary (1932

Our beloved mother passed away on Saturday evening, August 6, 2022, following an extended illness, surrounded by her six children. She was born in Toppenish, Washington, to John K. Hiatt and Bertha M. (Waite) Hiatt. She had six siblings, Steve Hiatt (Mary Sue), Joy Ward (Tom), James Hiatt (Dorothy), Vera Anderson (Loran), Connie Covert (David) and Carol Fievez (Bob). When Helen was a child, she lived and went to school in Parker Heights. At age ten, the family moved to Selah. She graduated from Selah in 1950 with honors. She was the Salutatorian. She married Bill B. Testerman on November 6, 1950, in Ballard, Washington, at the home of her Aunt Kerrie Johnson. After marriage, she lived in Duncan, Oklahoma and Kenmore, Washington for a short time. She and her family lived in Selah for several years, and in August 1976 they moved to Yakima, where she stayed the rest of her days. After the kids were out of the house, she attended Yakima Valley Community College to earn a degree of Associate in Arts and Science specializing in Alcoholism Studies, graduating in April 1978, and began working as a counselor for alcohol and drug abuse. She loved her flowers and became a Master Gardener in 1982. When she lived in Selah, she attended the Covenant Church and was active in the Mary Martha group and was involved with the youth group there. She loved Christmas and her grandson, Bryton, helped her decorate the entire house for many years. She loved being a member of Memorial Bible Church and the community within. She had many close friends there. She wanted all of her family to know the Lord. AMEN! She loved camping and spending time with her six kids, 10 grandkids, 24 great-grandkids and her one great-great grandson, and one great-great granddaughter due soon. Family was central to her life. Helen loved to travel, and for her and Bills 50th wedding anniversary, her family gave them a trip to Australia and New Zealand. They also took two cruises, one to Alaska, and one through the Panama Canal. They also traveled across the United States and made many trips to Oklahoma to see family there. Her children are Julia Lince (Bruce), Deb Currier (Charles), Michelle Testerman, Stephanie Fields (Robert), John Testerman, Dan Testerman (Nancy). She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, two brothers, Steve and Jim, sons-in-law, Bruce, and Bob, and grandsons, Brandon and Joshua. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Memorial Bible Church, for missions and the youth programs, may be sent in care of Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901), who is caring for the family. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 10:00am, at West Hills Memorial Park (11800 Douglas Road Yakima WA 98908). A Celebration of Life will follow at Memorial Bible Church (111 Old Stage Way Yakima WA 98908) at 12:00pm. Thanks to Memorial Hospital staff for the care and kindness to Helen and the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com. Graveside Service West Hills Memorial Park Saturday, August 13, 2022 10:00 AM 11800 Douglas Road Yakima, WA 98908