Helen was born on Sept. 25, 1931, to Forest and Nattie Wright.

At age 3, she went to live with Nannie Jane Robertson where she was loved by her family. Helen had two foster sisters, Iris Green and Jane Green Hughes, both of Wilmington. Helen also had a foster brother, Dr. Mark Green who predeceased her.

Helen had many brothers and one sister. She was especially fond of Marshall Wright and Claude Wright, who often came to visit her. She and her sister, Nannie Huffman, remained close until Nannie passed away.

Helen was also predeceased by husband of 64 years, F. Edwin “Pete” Bare.

Helen is survived by three children, Terri Bare Lowder, who was also her devoted caregiver, Mike Bare (Phyllis) and Randy Bare (Kathie), all of Buena Vista. Helen was loved by her grandchildren, Jonathan Lowder (Jodie), Joshua Lowder (Sierra), Christy McDaniel (Ray), Brittany Bare, and Dana Rogers (Scott). Helen also had beautiful great-grandchildren that she dearly loved. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and special friends.

Helen worked in the Buena Vista City Schools’ libraries from 1961 until 1989. She was a member of the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church. Helen’s hobbies were painting and stenciling. Before her arthritis continued to keep her from working in her yard, she loved her English gardens and beautiful flowers.

Helen beautifully decorated the Risque Parlor at the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church.

Helen was a former member of the Junior Women’s Club, helped with the Chamber of Commerce when choosing the downtown street lights, and decorating at the church when needed. She was always busy helping decorate her children’s homes; either painting, stenciling, hanging shelves or making window valences.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m., also at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Buena Vista Presbyterian Church, 303 E. 24th St., Buena Vista, VA 24416 or Rockbridge Area Hospice, P.O. Box 948, Lexington, VA 24450.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services. N-G