Helen S. Neill

NEILL, Helen Swan "Nana" was born January 15, 1910 in Ft. Morgan, CO. Helen moved to Santa Barbara with her family in grammar school and graduated High School in 1928 and went into a career of banking (40 years). She first was a bookkeeper. Helen held posts at Bank of America, Crocker National Bank, County National Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. Helen was in Santa Barbara in the 1925 Earthquake when it hit. (See Santa Barbara News Press Article: "1925 Disaster": "80 years later", Wednesday June 29, 2005 edition, page A6). Helen vacationed to Ft. Morgan, CO in her late 20's and met her beloved husband Ray I. Neill "Tiny" and his two children and married March 8, 1938. Helen did not move back to Santa Barbara with them until 1947. Helen's heart and soul was never too large for open arms. Helen gave continuous unconditional love to everyone and especially to those in need. Helen's mottos of life were: "It's all because of this good clean living!" and "It's because I always have a good attitude!" Helen's passion in life was her family 1st and foremost and also to friends and family. Helen's activities were vast. Helen paid great attention to detail! Helen has impeccable, beautiful knitting skills; many of her outfits have been passed down generation to generation with honor. She worked with Visiting Nurses Association, American Red Cross, The First Presbyterian Church, Daughters of The Nile, Eastern Star, loved playing cards with friends, the "Our Gang Group", traveling, musicals, plays, ballets, driving around at Christmastime to view all Santa Barbara's décor and lights, the beach and all its beauty, car races, golf, eating out with family and friends. Helen loved to try new things and lived for the moment. She loved and adored her grand-daughters Kayle Girvin whom took loving care of Helen for 30 years, along with Debra Hansen. Family consists: Husband Ray I. Neill "Tiny" (Deceased), son Richard D. Neill "Bruno", (Deceased), Daughter Barbara Binnebose of Templeton, CA, 4 Grandchildren: Debra Hansen of Reno, NV, Kayle Girvin of Rancho Bernardo, CA, Mark Suarez of Solvang, CA, Dirk Thomas of Lafayette, LA, 5 Great-Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grand Children and numerous nieces and nephews and friends to last a lifetime. We cannot convey the depth of our love and loss of our Nana whom had such a giving, loving heart. Heaven will shine brighter with the company of our beautiful angel "Nana". Our Family wishes to Thank Everyone @ WoodGlen Hall and Val Verde, and Cottage Hospital for their kindness, compassion and the Loving Care for our Nana. Services will be held: Sunday July 15, 2012 - 2:00pm at the Santa Barbara Cemetery Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to: Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care 222 East Canon Perdido Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Helen S. Neill

January 15, 1910 - July 10, 2012