Helen Mae Hehman

On Saturday, September 6, 2014, Helen Mae Hurta Hehman peacefully and with dignity completed her earthly journey. She was born on May 14, 1925, to Charlie C. Hurta, Sr. and Karolina Rozelle Leshikar Hurta in Taylor, Texas. She was baptized and confirmed on May 7, 1950, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Taylor. Helen grew up on the family farm near Beyersville with her brothers and sisters, all working on the farm doing various chores and working in the cotton fields. She remembered that walking several miles each day to Columbia School was a treat, especially when she and her brothers and sisters came home to drink the cold water out of the field water well.

On November 22, 1942, she married the love of her life, Alfred Paul Hehman, while he was on furlough from the United States Army at the height of World War II. They spent several months together in Pacific Grove, California, while Alfred was going through Army training at Fort Ord, California, before his regiment departed for the Pacific war in the Aleutian Islands.

Helen was employed as manager of the ladies department at Gellman’s for 8 years. She was then employed by Johns Clinic/Scott and White Johns Clinic for almost 25 years, working in various departments. She was well known by everyone and utilized her Czech language knowledge to help many patients at the clinic. Helen loved sewing, gardening, cooking (especially the Hehman Thanksgiving dinner), polka dancing, and traveling to World War II Reunions with Alfred. After Alfred passed away on November 19, 2000, she became very self-sufficient and independent. Her passion was to maintain her garden and flowers. She enjoyed dedicating her time to volunteering in the St. Paul Lutheran Church office, being part of the Dorcas-Hannah Circle at St. Paul, and playing dominoes, especially “42”. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and SPJST.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Sharon Hehman of Georgetown, grandchildren, Michael Hehman of Cotulla, Steven and Dara Hehman of Taylor, great-grandsons, Ty Hehman, Chance Hehman and Heath Hehman. She is also survived by her sisters, Lydia Dowling and Velma Reichenbach of Taylor, Julia Schmidt of Hutto, Esther Collins of West Linn, Oregon, and Doris Hruska and Betty Jane Hurta of Houston. Many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends also survive Helen, all of whom loved Helen dearly.

Those that predeceased Helen were her husband of 58 years, Alfred, her parents, brothers, Charlie Hurta, Jr., Rhode Hurta, Roy Hurta, Edward Hurta, and Jerry Hurta, sisters, Elsie Sladek and Ruby Sladek, and infant sister, Mildred.

Helen’s pride and joy was her family. She enjoyed football and baseball games, attending numerous games when her sons and grandsons played football and baseball. She especially enjoyed the family gatherings at her son’s and daughter-in-law’s farm near Taylor.

The family expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Laura Beaty, Dr. Nathaniel Palnaszek, Scott and White, Dr. Courtney Sheinbein, Texas Oncology and their staffs for their diligent and kind efforts with Helen. Additional thanks go to the Scott and White Hospice Staff in support of Helen and her family. Special thanks to Helen’s neighbors and friends, Dru Hebert, Dawn Rogers, Karan Meredith, and Mary Arzola for their loving care and help during Helen’s last days.

Helen will be remembered as everyone’s MOM and “GG” to her family. She will also be remembered for her perseverance, sweet smile, compassion and her strong Christian faith. She was a part of the “Greatest Generation” with the most positive attitude that all things will work out.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Scott and White, or to an entity of your choice.

Honoring Helen as pallbearers are Randy Heckmann, and her nephews, Kelly Reichenbach, Billy Sladek, Curtis Hehman, Randy Hehmann, David Schmidt, Kirby Hurta, and Brian Gross.

Visitation will be at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd., in Taylor, on Tuesday, September 9, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 401 West 7th in Taylor at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10. Burial will be at Taylor City Cemetery following services.