Obituary of Helen Counts Shumate Phillips

Long time resident, Helen Shumate Phillips, passed away peacefully at home on January 4th, 2024. She was 90 years old. She is survived by her loving daughter Julia Ann "Judy" who cared for her mother in their home for the past several years; son Larry Joe Shumate of Texas, and sister Linda Shumate of Colorado. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Lori Stafford, Amy Shumate, and Shane Cavanagh, and by her 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents J.O. & Edna, sister Mary Stanton, and grandson Kenny Cavanagh. Charles H. "Chuck" Shumate, her husband of 45 years passed away in 1995. Her second husband, Lou Phillips, passed away in 2008. 

Floy Helen Counts was born on September 27, 1933 in Elkins, Arkansas to J.O. & Edna Rude Counts. In a family where everyone has a nickname, Helen was known as "Tot." She enjoyed the exclusive attention of her parents until her younger sister, Mary came along in 1943, followed by their sister Linda in 1944. A few years later, Helen attended a local dance and was introduced to her best friends cousin, Chuck Shumate. She was smitten. They were married in July 1950. Helen & Chuck moved to the Yuba/Sutter area in 1952 and put down roots. Helen enjoyed her dogs, road trips, camping and spending time with her family & friends.