Helen H. Flythe

Helen Heidgerken Flythe passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Martinsville’s SOVAH Hospital at age 92 due to health complications. She lived a full and happy life.Helen was born Jan. 19, 1932 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. George Frederick and Rose Hallet Heidgerken; a brother, Rodger Heidgerken; and her husband of 62 years, Walter White “Buck” Flythe.Helen graduated from the University of Saskatchewan’s St. Thomas More College. She worked in their Office of the Registrar while earning degrees in both Philosophy and English. Upon graduating, she was employed as a flight attendant for Northern Pacific Airlines, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. This is where she met her future husband on a blind date. Buck Flythe was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at Alaska’s Elmendorf Air Force Base. They married August 21, 1957, in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. By 1960 they moved to Martinsville, Va. where they were closer to Buck’s home and family. They settled in Martinsville, where they raised their three children and where Buck worked for Bassett-Walker Knitting Company.Helen is survived by her children, Carolyn Flythe Graham Thaxton (Don), Walter “Walt” Flythe, Jr.; and Frances “Heidi” Flythe; sister-in-law, June Heidgerken; brother-in-law, Tom Flythe, and many beloved nieces and nephews living throughout the US and Canada.Also surviving her are: granddaughter, Acree Graham Macam (Eric); grandson, Donald “Jeb” Thaxton; and 2 great granddaughters, Lassiter Flythe Macam and Lowry Screven Macam.Helen was a longstanding member of the First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville. Over the years she additionally gave her time to the: Charity League of Martinsville; Ladies of the Church; Book Vlub; Cub Scouts as a Den Mother; and Carlisle School.A memorial service will be held in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The inurnment of her ashes in the church’s columbarium will follow the service with a reception following in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made to any of the following First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville, Va., 1901 Patrick Henry Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112, Ph# 276-632-3431, www.firstpresbyterianmartinsville.org; Carlisle School, PO Box 5388, Martinsville, VA 24115, Ph# 276-632-7288, www.carlisleschool.org; Blue Ridge Mountains Council Boy Scouts of America, 2131 ValleyView Rd., NW, Roanoke, VA 24012, Ph# 540-265-0656, bsa-brmc.org.McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family.