Helen Theis

Helen Theis (Leibrecht), 101, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.  

Helen was born March 9, 1923, in Spokane, Wash., to the late Joseph and Grace (Waske) Leibrecht. She was a graduate of Lewis and Clark High School Class of 1941. She met her husband Leo Theis in Spokane and in 1942 they were married while he was stationed in Texas during World War II. After the war, they moved to Spokane where they started their family and welcomed daughter Jackie and son Bill. They remained together until his death in 1995. 

In 1960, Helen and family moved to Moses Lake where they owned and operated Smitty’s Pancake House (later known as Perkins Family Restaurant) until their retirement in 1984.  

Helen was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church for 64 years. She enjoyed volunteering at the church and often gave her friends rides to mass and church events.  

In their retirement, Helen and Leo were avid golfers and members of Moses Lake Golf and Country Club. Helen was a member of the ladies division and enjoyed playing golf with her friends. In the winter, Helen and Leo looked forward to traveling in their motorhome to Arizona and California to golf and enjoy the warm weather. 

In her spare time, Helen played bridge with her friends and card and board games with her grandchildren. She often played baseball with them too. To remain fit, Helen enjoyed daily walks around her neighborhood.  

She had a passion for gardening and was proud of her beautiful mums, daisies, and petunias. 

Helen is survived by her daughter, Jackie Theis Chmela (Larrie) and Bill Theis (Nancy) of Moses Lake. Helen was a doting grandmother to her three grandchildren, Jared Theis (Krystal) of Spokane, Katie Chmela (Chaitanya R.) and Cory Chmela Sebastian (Jeff) of Seattle, Wash. She had four great-grandchildren, Logan Theis, Brinkley Theis, Henry Sebastian and Evelyn Sebastian. 

Holy Rosary will be celebrated Oct. 16, 2024, at 10 a.m. with Memorial Mass following at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Moses Lake with Father César as celebrant. Arrangements are in the care of the Neptune Society.  

The family suggests any memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a favorite charity. The family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at Monroe House for the excellent care given to Helen for the past nine years.