Helen J. Stephens, age 96, died Monday, May 13, 2013, in Clayton, New Mexico.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Arrangements are by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.

Helen J. Stephens was born on September 7, 1916, in Clapham, New Mexico, to Walter G. Howard and Velma (Niday) Howard. She married Raymond L. Stephens on January 17, 1934, in Clayton, NM, and he preceded her in death on September 15, 1985. A lifelong resident of Union County, NM, Helen had been a resident of Clayton since 1947. Helen and Raymond operated a Conoco station in Clayton and she worked at a number of Clayton businesses including Robinette Grocery, Wheatley Auto, Gambles, and others. In addition to her parents and her husband, Helen was preceded in death by a son, Walter Clinton Stephens, in March 2000, a daughter, Velma Tyler, in April 1995, a brother, L. G. Howard, in January 1960, and a grandson, Michael Stephens.