Helen was born in Pauls Valley, OK to Jewell and Nellie Gist and passed away at the age of 85 in Hughson, CA.  She lived in Arizona before settling in California where she lived for the rest of her life.  On July 15, 1947 she married John Chris Kleiber and together they had four children.  Helen was a hard worker and made sure she passed those valuable lessons on to her children, taking them to work with her where they helped her pick fruit.  She worked various jobs in addition to raising a family including Booth’s where she packed military rations for soldiers, Haig Berberian where she was as a line worker and she also worked in housekeeping at Memorial Hospital.  

Helen was a member of Mitchell Community Church and she treasured friendships made there at church bazaars and as part of the Women’s Missionary Society.  Her hobbies included quilting, genealogy, gardening, bird watching, canning and baking.  

She is survived by her husband John Chris Kleiber; children Joan Wallen, John (Linda) Kleiber, Chuck (Elise) Kleiber and Margo (Dan) Ely; siblings Fern Brooks, Jim (Rosemary) Gist, and Linda (Louis) Wheeler; brother in law Wayne Mattox;  grandchildren Ellen, Greg, Jennifer, Brian, Alison, Jamie, Chris, Heather, Josh and Andrew; and 17 great grandchildren.  Helen was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Bonnie Dollar and Leonard Gist; sisters in law Evalena Mattox and Pearl Le Sage; and son in law Billy Wallen. 

Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Mitchell Community Church 1507 Mitchell Rd. Turlock, CA 95380.

Visitation will be held at Allen Mortuary on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 12:00-7:00p.m. Graveside service will be at Lakewood Memorial Park on Friday, January 15, 2016 at 9:30a.m. with a celebration of her life to follow also at Allen Mortuary on Friday January 15th at 11:00a.m.  Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com.