Helen Marie Elmore Ates

Helen Marie Elmore Ates went to her home in heaven Wednesday, November 20, 2019, while surrounded by family.  Helen was born November 6, 1937, to William Carl and Myrtie Cathey Elmore; she was 82.   Helen was married to Allen Ates; they celebrated their 66th anniversary on November 7.  Above all, Helen loved Jesus.  She always said, “I am a child of the King!”  She trusted God as her heavenly Father, Jesus as her Savior, and depended upon the Holy Spirit as her Guide.  Second to the Lord, she loved her family.  Helen and Allen had four children:  Peggi Sue Ates Flowers (Chuck), Sherry Jo Ates Rivers (James Paul), Allen Max Ates (Judy), and Lisa Marie Ates Borders (Shelby).  She had eight grandchildren:  Peter Flowers, Joseph Flowers, Caleb Oldham, Aaron Ates (Alicia), Anne Marie Ates, Lindsay Borders Broadway, Brittany Borders, and Tyler Borders.  She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Jackson Flowers, Mia Flowers, Hunter Broadway, Ava Broadway, Bella Lopez, Gracie Borders, Chloe Borders, and Raeleigh Borders.  She is also survived by two brothers, Ralph and Donald, and two sisters, Syble and Mary, as well as a host of other family and friends. Helen was predeceased by her parents: Carl and Myrtie, one daughter: Sherry Jo, brothers:  Leroy, George, and William C., sisters: Agnes, Laverne, and three sisters as children. Arrangements are in the care of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home, Natchitoches, LA: Visitation:  Friday, November 22, 2019, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Calvary Baptist Church, 312 Highway 3191, Natchitoches, LA Service to celebrate her life:  Saturday, November 23, 2019, 10:00 AM, Calvary Baptist Church followed by burial in the church’s cemetery.  The following ministers will officiate the service:  Ralph Johnson, Bruce Mitchell, and Max Ates.  Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Donations may be made in her name to Calvary Baptist Church, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society, M.D. Anderson Hospital, or the charity of your choice.