Tina Marie Helmso

Tina Marie Helmso died Thursday, October 30, 2014 at her home in Concho, Apache County, Arizona. She was 45 years old. "Tena", as she preferred to spell her name, was born on November 12, 1968 in Salinas, Monterey County, California to her parents, Thomas Frank King and Sandra Kay (Menees) King. Tena was born and raised in Salinas. In 1987, she graduated from North Salinas High School. Following her graduation she went on to attend Hartnell College in Salinas where she received her certification to work as a Certified Nurse's Assistant. She found that to be a very rewarding career and enjoyed the privilege of serving those in need. When her children were younger, Tena loved to ride dirt bikes with all of her kids. She also was her son, Joey's, biggest fan when it came to his Motocross competitions. Unfortunately, due to carpel tunnel syndrome and related surgeries, Tena was no longer able to use her hands the way she used to and had to quit riding bikes altogether. In 2006, Tena moved to Arizona with her family and made a home in Concho. She also was a gifted drawer and whenever a piece of paper and pen or pencil was in front of her, she began to doodle. Many of those pieces of "art" are now priceless treasures she leaves behind for her family. While living in Arizona, Tena worked for various places over the years, including TLC. Tena was the kind of mom whom young people naturally flocked to. Over the years, she received a great deal of joy and was proud to have the youth, including several of her children's friends, come into her home. She was a second "Mom" to many of them and would help them with anything that they needed during their difficult years. One of her and her family's greatest pastimes was spending time at Show Low Lake. They loved to go there together and spend countless hours enjoying each other's company. On their way to the lake, Tena would always stop at McDonald's to get bag full of hamburgers and Red Bulls to share with everyone. Many wonderful and cherished memories were made there on the shores of that lake. This incredible woman was loved so much by those she held most dear and they truly will miss her generous spirit, laughter and gentle smile. Tena is survived by her 2 sons: Cody Landis of Concho, Arizona, Joseph Landis of Show Low, Arizona; her daughter, Ashten Powers of St. Johns, Arizona; her mother, Sandra King of Concho, Arizona; her brother, Thomas (Terri) King of Concho, Arizona and by her husband, Carl Helmso of Concho, Arizona. Also, her dogs, Hercules and Polo are still wondering where she is and are waiting patiently for her to walk through the door. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Frank King. A special memorial service for Tena, officiated by Chaplain Kevin Weaver, will begin 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona.