Helen Bridges

ARLINGTON -- Helen Pauline Petty Bridges, a longtime resident of Arlington, 81, passed away Monday, September 5, 2016. Visitation is 6 pm to 8 pm Thursday at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington, TX., and the graveside service is 1:00 Friday at Parkdale Cemetery, 701 Mary St., Arlington, TX. Helen was born January 23, 1935, the first of two children to F.P. Petty, Jr., and Ruby Pauline Day Petty on a farm near Whitesboro, Texas. The family lived in Gainesville, Texas until the start of World War II, when they moved to Arlington. Helen attended Southside Elementary School and was a graduate of Arlington High School where she received many honors and awards. She graduated sixth in her Class of 1953. Helen served as Co-Editor of the "Colt" newspaper, received the Rotary Award for Excellence, was a member of the National Honor Society, and served several times as class officer. She was named "Connie Colt" in November, 1952, the year that Arlington High School won the state championship in football. Helen married Richard (Dick) L. Bridges on June 6, 1953. They became parents of five daughters, Cynthia Diane in 1954, Marsha Elaine in 1957, Paula Joanne in 1962, Connie Elizabeth in 1964, and April Leigh in 1971. Helen was a stay-at-home mom during the early years, while serving in PTAs and other organizations. She was president at one time of Progressive Preschool PTA. She spent many, many hours driving her daughters to music lessons, twirling lessons, cheerleading practices, and singing performances. When Helen finally able to work outside the home, she worked at Hartz Mountain Corporation and C. E. Services, a computer hardware company, where she retired in 1999 after 11 years. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, F. P Petty, Jr. and Ruby Petty Boone Herring, and her brother Harold Gene Petty. Survivors: Husband, Richard (Dick) L. Bridges, daughters, Cindy Hawkins and husband Hubert of Bauru, Brazil, Marsha Belmont and husband Brian of Arlington, Joanne Fletcher and husband David of Arlington, Connie Good and husband John of Weatherford, and April Wallace and wife Vickie Moore of Dallas; grandchildren, Parker Hawkins, Rebecca Belmont, Benjamin Belmont, Sabrina Belmont, Joshua Townley, Noelle Hardy, Savannah Walker, Carly Good, Jett Good, Michael Wallace, Brandon Wallace, and Jennifer Wallace; sister-in-law Kandee Morgan; nieces Kelly Guedry and Kristen Hadawi; and 7 great-grandchildren. Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233