We are saddened to bring you the news of our mother's passing during this holiday season. Lou Ann was surrounded by family and friends in Steamboat Springs, CO, where she passed away on December 31, 2014. There will be a memorial Service on March 28th at 2pm at the United Methodist Church, Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We welcome all who would like to attend. Lou Ann Moynihan Hellmers was born 93 years ago in San Mateo, California and lived her early childhood on the family ranch in Dixon, California. Later she moved with her mother and two brothers to Priest Station, just outside Big Oak Flat near Yosemite National Park in Northern California, where she attended Sonora High School. Lou Ann loved to share the history of this area, and her personal history as well, so our childhood summers often included trips through this part of California. We listened to the crickets at priest Station, drank lemonade on hot summer days in the valley and, visited Lou Ann's relatives now scattered throughout the Bay Area. During her lifetime, Lou Ann never lost her pride in being a third-generation Californian. Even during her last months, she often spoke of her desire to return to her native state. Lou Ann met Henry Hellmers at the International House in Berkeley, California, while both attended school at Cal Berkeley. After marring in 1945, the two eventually settled in Pasadena, California in 1950. For many years, Lou Ann served as a teacher in the Pasadena school systems. Lou Ann was also very active in the First Baptist Church and with Girl Scouts, serving as troop leader for both daughters,. The connections she made with her scouts last until this day. Eventually, the family moved to North Carolina where Lou Ann became active in many university clubs while Henry taught classes at Duke University. Lou Ann hosted wonderful bridge parties for the Campus Club and organized local tours of the area for the New Comers. Lou Ann and Henry also spent a lot of years and tears cheering for Duke Basketball. After Henry's retirement, Lou Ann and Henry traveled the United States together in their motor home, making friends in every state and spending time visiting family and friends. The strongest memories of Grandmother for Sara, Julie and Katie all come from these motor home visits. We had to schedule trips back East just so our children would know Grandma and Grandpa also had a brick home. Lou Ann is survived by her two daughters, Rosemary Whittingham of Steamboat Springs and Carol Hellmers of Denver; three granddaughters, Sara Langell, Julie Wright, and Katie Umphlett; and five great grandchildren. Lou Ann will be buried alongside Henry in a small family ceremony in Sacramento Valley National Cemetery near Dixon, California, a mere five miles from where Lou Ann grew up. We believe she will be at peace when reunited with Henry in a spot she loved and considered home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity. At this time of year, let us reach out and share our love with our family, friends and community as we remember a long life filled with love and happiness.