Helen Jean Groppell passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023. She was born to John Scott and Arleigh Jean Gray on July 11, 1934, in Bakersfield, California. After graduating from Bakersfield High School in 1952, Helen joined the United States Air Force and left California for Texas where she would put down roots and start a family. She was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio and served her country in nursing at the 3700th USAF Hospital. While in the Air Force, Helen met Staff Sergeant Vernon R. Groppell, and they were married on July 23, 1955.

After settling in Houston, Helen went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where she worked in various assignments from 1956 until her retirement in 1994. During this time, she raised three sons and after retiring helped with caregiving for several of her grandchildren whom she spoiled, much to their delight. Helen led by example in the way that she treated everyone with kindness and compassion regardless of their circumstances or background. She was an avid reader, particularly of medical newsletters and cookbooks.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents and brother, William, and stepbrother Mike. She is survived by her sons and their wives, Richard and Peggy, David and Sharen and John and Lauryn, grandchildren Stephen and wife Michelle, Samantha, Rebecca, Garrett and wife Joelle, John Robert, Gregory, Jeffrey and great grandchildren Olivia and William. She is also survived by her half-brother, Robert Moffatt of Riverside, California.

Internment will take place at Klein Memorial Park. The family would like to thank the compassionate care provided by Susan, Bea, Paola, and the staff of Memorial Hermann Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to Military Women's Memorial, www.womensmemorial.org.