Little

Helen J. Little, 82, of Chicora, formerly Artesia, N.M., passed through heaven’s gates Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, knowing a room had been prepared for her.

Helen was born in Petrolia, on Dec. 27, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Wilbur W. and Susan D. Coleman Osmer. Mrs. Little was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Artesia, N.M. Helen was a 1958 graduate of Karns City-Fairview Township High School, and later Robert Morris University.

Following employment at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Helen spent more than 30 years employed by Butler County Children & Youth Services, retiring in 1995.

Helen dedicated her life to raising the three Clayton boys in Petrolia. Working full days and wearing out the crockpot so that she could drive between towns at night to catch as many innings or games of the boys as she could.

Helen was an avid bingo player, and though she never thought so, a talented acrylic painter. Summers at camp and fishing from the pontoon boat were Helen’s favorite pastimes.

She is survived by three sons, Kenneth W. Clayton and wife, Ronda, of Artesia, N.M., Michael W. Clayton and wife, Marlene, of Petrolia and retired Maj. Rodney W. Clayton, U.S. Marine Corps and wife, Rosemarie, of Summerville, S.C.; two sisters, Joyce Briggs of Leechburg and Sylvia Myers of Vandergrift; three stepchildren, James M. Little and wife, Michelle, of Houston, Texas, Joseph W. Little and wife, Rebecca, of Madison, Miss. and Deborah D. Shade and husband, James, of Houston, Texas; eight grandkids, Matthew Clayton (Danielle), April Waters (Keaton), Stephanie Doane (John), Brian Clayton (Hanna), Samantha Howard (Daniel), Skylor Morton, Taylor Morton, and Sara Clayton; step-grandchildren, Katelyn Fair, Forest Little (Dawn Marie), Sierra, Savanna, Melba and Mark Little; great-grandkids, Adi, Nora, Reece, Rylee, Arabella, James, Ellie, Avery, Conner, Kynnslee, Landry, Ethan; and Michael; as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Little, whom she married at Westminster United Presbyterian Church on June 15, 1991; a brother, Art Osmer; a nephew, Wes Osmer; and two brothers-in-law.

LITTLE — Friends of Helen J. Little, who died Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at HILE FUNERAL HOME OF KARNS CITY, 128 Main St., Karns City. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Dennis Barger, pastor of Scrubgrass Stone Church, officiating.

Interment will be at Hillview Cemetery in the village of Kepples Corners. Helen was a longtime member of the Petrolia Fireman’s Auxillary.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Petrolia Fire Department, P.O. Box 237, Petrolia, PA 16050.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.