Patricia Ryan Darnell Helton, 78, of Toney, passed away Monday. A native of Nashville, TN, Pat was a 1955 graduate of Isaac Litton High School. She moved to Huntsville, AL shortly after graduation where she worked at Thiokol on top secret projects. She also modeled for Thiokol’s Missile Advertising campaigns.
Pat married Bobby R. Darnell Sr., and together they had four children whom she treasured. She became a stay at home mother, devoting herself to her family and her faith. She later married James “Jim” Lee Helton, the greatest love of her life, with whom she shared many happy years.
She re-entered the work force as a Computer Operator at GTE Electronics, eventually finishing her career in IT at Huntsville Hospital.
Peppermint Patty, as Jim fondly called her, was a lover of owls, murder mysteries, pink carpets and blue bathrooms. She spent her retirement years surround by her family and friends. Her Sass lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She now resides in heaven, where her coffee never needs to be topped off!
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Dorothy Ryan, one brother, Stan Ryan, husband James L. Helton, and one son, Bobby R. Darnell, Jr.
Survivors include children, Charles Christian “Chris” Darnell, Dorothy Rene Palm (Darryl), and Billy Scott Darnell; grandchildren, Nickole Messervy (Lee), Laura Ashley Darnell, Kirby Scott Darnell, Ryan Christian Darnell, Brittney Marie Darnell, Jennifer Matthews (Jordan), Lauren Elizabeth Palm, Corey Eugene Palm, and Maggie Marie Darnell; brother, Garland Ryan (Judy); sister-in-law, Gwen Wikle; six great-grandchildren, and many aunts, cousins nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will immediately follow in the chapel with Randy Watts officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
