Helen Marie Huffman

Helen Marie Arnett Huffman, 83, passed in peace on Monday, May 3, 2021, knowing she placed in this world three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also knowing she influenced the lives of countless students during her teaching career. A family graveside will be held at a later date. Helen was born September 20, 1937 in Spalding Springs, Missouri, daughter of Evert Ernest and Dora Lehenbauer Arnett. She met John M. Huffman, her high school sweetheart, and they were married April 20, 1958 in the First Christian Church in Paris, Missouri. They had a very special love story lasting 63 years on this earth, but their love is endless. Helen graduated from Paris, Missouri High School in 1955, and also graduated from North East Missouri Teacher’s College in Kirksville, Missouri, now known as Truman State University, in 1960. She holds teaching certificates in three states, and taught for almost 40 years, loving every minute and every student. Her first teaching position was in 1958 in Holliday, Missouri and her salary was $3,000.00 per year. Helen’s second teaching position was in a one room school in Florida, Missouri for $3,350 the first year which increased to $3,550 the second year. Her last teaching position concluded with Special Recognition in 1996 in Mineral Wells, having taught first grade for 33 years. Helen truly touched many lives. Helen lived most of her life in Mineral Wells and belonged to the First Christian Church. She loved cooking and baking treats at Christmas and for family gatherings. Travels in her 5th wheel RV and many summers spent traveling to and working in tourist related areas in many national parks across the country brought her great joy. Helen truly enjoyed meeting and working with fellow employees and customers from all over the world. Her favorite park was Glacier National Park. It is reported by Helen’s husband and grandchildren that she was a wicked card player and her favorite game was Rummy! Survivors: Husband, John M. Huffman; children, John Barney-Huffman and spouse, Robert Barney-Huffman, of Albuquerque, NM, Michelle Gardner and husband, James, of Caldwell, ID, and Howard Huffman and wife, Holly, of Mineral Wells; grandchildren, Nathanael Huffman and wife, Lauren, Zachary Huffman and wife, Mirrissa, and Haley Huffman, David Gardner and wife, Kristin, Phillip Gardner and wife, Katelynn, and Isabelle Gardner, and Victoria Huffman; great-grandchildren, Cambria Huffman and Emberleigh Huffman; sister, Betty Miller; brother, Junior (Evert) Arnett; and many extended family members, church family, students and friends.