Mary Helen Forrest, 83, of Mexico, died at 6:52 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at Golden Living - Pin Oaks in Mexico.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at Pickering Funeral Home. Vistiation will be from 11 a.m until service time. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Paris.

Helen was born May 20, 1932, in Paris, Mo., daughter of Ray Marvin and Edith (Bell) White. She was a graduate of Paris High School.

On May 22, 1948, in Paris, she married Donald L. Forrest, Sr. Mr. Forrest preceded her in death on Oct. 23, 1994.

She was an artist and had taught oil painting classes. She loved music especially piano and guitar. She also enjoyed playing the organ and she was also a wonderful vocalist. She was a member of First Assembly of God Church, Mexico.

Helen worked for AP Green's for 20 years as an Executive Assistant. She also spent 14 years as personal secretary to the Bond family, working for both Kit and Arthur Bond. Later she worked for Brookstone for 11 years.

Survivors include one son, Donald L. Forrest, Jr., of Mexico; two daughters, Mary Elizabeth DiBlasi and husband Frank, of Columbia, and Kimberly Heffner and husband Chris, of Fulton; eight grandchildren, Kyle, Megan, Naven, Emily, Rachael, Alex, Marc, and Sarah; and four great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one brother, Marvin White.

Memorials can be given to Pleasant Hill Cemetery. They can be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.