Helen Ann Kanz Hood was born on May 13, 1932, to Andrew and Josephine Kanz and departed this world on July 30, 2026, at the age of 94, in Centerville, Texas. Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother--affectionately known as "Great Mother." She lived a full life with few regrets. She was a woman known for her love of people and her wonderful sense of humor.

Helen grew up in Clifton, Texas on the family farm. Between her parents and her eleven brothers and sisters, they knew the meaning of hard work. After graduation from Clifton High School in 1949, she attended college briefly and was working as a switchboard operator in Houston, Texas when her sister, Alma, insisted she meet a young man that Alma had befriended. Helen said that after meeting H.G. "Bob" Hood, she didn't want to date another man.

Helen and Bob married September 1, 1951, and enjoyed a marriage of fifty-eight years. Bob and Helen initially settled in Houston, Texas and later left for College Station, Texas where they began to raise four daughters: Janeece, Lynn, Carol, and Kaye. In 1966, the family moved to a small farm in Valley Mills, Texas. This farm had been in the Kanz family for several generations and gave Helen the opportunity to return to farm work which she enjoyed, and Bob to become a gentleman farmer.

Helen enjoyed raising her family and plowing her fields. Along with raising her daughters, Helen's loves included sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, and being an avid reader. Helen would also go help out her mom and dad in Clifton with their garden and canning the vegetables for her brothers and sisters when they would come home for a visit. As an experienced seamstress, she made all the clothes for her girls--from swimwear to school clothes, coats, even prom dresses and wedding dresses. She also enjoyed writing and had several articles published in local magazines.

Helen also made life-long friends and many "adopted daughters" through Merak Temple No. 104, Daughters of the Nile in Waco, Texas, and the Clifton Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she was known and loved through the entirety of the organization and would later be joined by her daughters as members.

After the girls were grownup, Helen and Bob traveled quite a bit with his job. They enjoyed playing golf and making new friends as they traveled. As they became older, Helen and Bob buit their final home together in McGregor, Texas. This space allowed them to enjoy times with their family and friends, while continuing to do the hobbies they loved, such as gardening, cooking, and farming.

In 2021, Helen moved to Centerville, Texas, and enjoyed getting to know new people through her attendance at First Baptist Church of Centerville. She frequently enjoyed walking through the neighborhood and attending the activities of her great-grandchildren.

Helen's final days were spent with the care-taking of her daughters. She has, was, and will always be known to her family for her warmth, sense of humor, and never-quit attitude. Upon her passing, she was surrounded in love and care as she went into the arms of Jesus.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Josephine Kanz; husband, H.G. "Bob" Hood; eldest daughter, Janeece Mayfield; grandson, Ronnie Campbell and great-granddaughter, Parker Alexander. She is survived by her three daughters, Lynn Knowles of Bryan, Texas, Carol Parnell (David) of Centerville, Texas, and Kaye Campbell of Eddy, Texas. Helen's life was blessed with twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who also survive her.

A memorial service celebrating Helen's life will be held 11 A.M., Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Pastor of First Baptist Church, Tony Moye, will officiate the service. A brief visitation will take place prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.