Helen Louise Stafford

Helen Louise Stafford, 96, of Lufkin, passed away peacefully on the 28th day of July, 2014. Helen was born in Troup, Texas to Buford Wilkinson and Ida (Florence) Wilkinson on the 16th day of May, 1918. She attended Troup High School where she met the love of her life, M.V. “Monty” Stafford. They lived in Troup until they moved to Lufkin in 1948, then to Rosenberg and Corsicana, and back to Lufkin in 1971, where they ran Stafford’s Liquigas for many years until Monty’s death in 1988. Their youngest son, Monty R. Stafford, and his wife, Cindy, continue to run the family business.

Helen was residing at Pinecrest at the time of her death. She was a wonderful Christian lady who always set a high standard for all her family. She was a member of Timberland Drive Church of Christ for more than 45 years.

Most of her life was as a stay-at-home mom who took great care of her family. She was a wonderful cook and always had something sweet baked just in case anyone came by to visit. When she and Monty moved back to Lufkin in 1971, she worked in the family business.

She is survived by her sons, Harry W. Stafford, Monty R. Stafford and wife Cindy; grandsons, Todd K. Stafford and wife Linda, Shane R. Stafford and wife Karen, all of Lufkin, Robert L. Ladymon and wife Mikel of Oklahoma City, Scott Ladymon and wife Valerie of Freeland Washington; granddaughters, Carolyn Ladymon, Suzanne Catuncan and husband Ernie of Dallas, and Beth Jones and husband Byron of Lufkin. She is also survived by great granddaughters, Sarah Stafford, Emily Stafford, Elizabeth Jones, and Chloe Stafford, all of Lufkin, and Laura Stoker and husband John of Dallas; great grandsons, James Voris and wife Lindsey of Columbine, Jordan Voris and wife Nikki of Wylie, Mathew Ladymon of Youngstown, Ohio, and Mason Stafford of Lufkin. In addition, she is survived by several great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Monty Stafford; her sisters, Florence Low, Patty Dave Ward; her brother, Sam Allen Wilkinson; and her daughter, Betty Carol Ladymon and her husband Robert L. Ladymon, Sr.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at Carroway Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make memorial contributions to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Ave., Lufkin, Texas 75904; the American Cancer Society, 212 Gene Samford Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75904, or to the charity of your own choosing.

The family extends a special thank you to the sweet sitters at PineCrest Retirement Community.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors