Helen L. Stafford, 77, a longtime resident of Trout Creek, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, December 17, 2010 at Delaware Valley Hospital.

Helen was born on August 26, 1933 in the town of Masonville, the daughter of the late Raymond and Julia Van Nakin Griffin. She lived most of her life in the Trout Creek area and was a graduate of Deposit Central School, class of 1952. Helen was married to her husband of 53 years, Lindon Dale Stafford on November 14, 1952 in Afton. He passed away on October 1, 2006. She was a member of the Trout Creek Community Church, the Trout Creek Fireman Ladies Auxiliary where she served as President, Secretary, Chaplin and Sunshine Fund Chairwoman, the Delaware County Fireman Ladies Auxiliary, she was a member and past President of the Guntown American Legion Post 1554 Ladies Auxiliary.

Helen loved her family, she enjoyed her grandchildren, she loved to work, play and travel with them, and most of all enjoyed sleigh riding with them. She also enjoyed her shopping trips with Jeanne and Betty. Helen had a kind heart and gentle spirit.

Helen is survived by her sons, Michael (Pat) Stafford and Jerry (Donna) Stafford of Trout Creek; a daughter, Sharon (John) Smith of Walton; 10 grandchildren, Brad Stafford, Amy Stafford, Kristie(Mike) Merwin, Chad Stafford, Angela (Robbie) Stafford, Jeremy (Melissa) Stafford, Cory Vitek, Sarah (Kirby) Smith and Carl (Melissa) Smith, Kelly(Ray) DeLeon; 10 great-grandchildren, Austin and Holden Smith, Nathan, Kylee and Austin Merwin, Malaiah Donaldson, Cayden, Hadassah, Chelsee and Caleb Stafford, Payton Smith and Christian Vitek; a sister, Mary (Lloyd) Backus of Trout Creek; her neighbors, Jeff and Kirsten Bosket and Grace Fletcher; and by several nieces, nephews, cousins and her many friends .

Helen was predeceased by a brother and sister in law, David and Nancy Griffin.

Friends and family are invited to call from 1:00pm until 3:00pm on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton, where a memorial service will follow at 3:00pm with the Rev. David Gatje officiating. Burial in the spring will take place at Carroll Cemetery, Trout Creek.

Memorial Contributions in helen's memory may be made to Trout Creek Community Church or to the Trout Creek Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary.