Obituary

The cherished soul of Annette Janine (Person) Helton, 59, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., left our physical world behind on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.  She died surrounded by the love of family at St. Luke’s East Hospital from complications of pneumonia while in cancer treatment.

Annette was born on June 8, 1963, so a memorial to celebrate her life will be held on June 8, 2023, at Belton Christian Church, 409 Airway Lane, Belton, Mo.  Annette’s favorite “color” was tie dye, so feel free to wear some (or not).  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with a memorial service at 11:30.  Lunch will follow in Person Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Annette with donations to Hope House at https://www.hopehouse.net, or by check to P.O. Box 577, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063.  Please note in the online form or on your check that your gift is in memory of Annette Helton.  For many years Annette and Tom have donated hundreds of blankets with embroidered names to Hope House and other organizations so children can have a personalized gift at Christmas.

Annette was born in Kansas City, Mo., and raised in Belton.  She was the fourth of six “PKs,” which meant both Person Kids and Preacher’s Kids.  Her father, the late Rev. Richard Person was pastor of Belton Christian Church for 27 years.  Annette’s mother, the late Deloris (Taylor) Person, was a school music teacher, church choir director, and the founding director of The Celebration non-denominational youth singers.  Annette was a devoted daughter, and her parents admired her talent, strength and resilience.

Annette graduated from Belton High School in 1981, attended William Woods College in Fulton, Mo., and graduated with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., in 1985.  She remained connected with and devoted to many dear high school and college friends throughout her life.

Annette married her high school sweetheart, Charles (Chuck) Crate III, in 1985.  After losing Chuck to injuries from a car accident only a few months later, starting over was profoundly difficult.  She found her way with the help of very kind (and sometimes crazy) Columbia friends and roommates.  Many of them, like Annette, worked with organizations that provided support and dignity to developmentally disabled adults.  Those dear friends and her Crate family continued to be important and involved with Annette for the rest of her life.

After moving from Columbia to Lee’s Summit in 1990, Annette continued working with developmentally disabled adults until she took a leap of faith to become self employed.  She was a naturally talented seamstress who made curtains, pillowcases, slipcovers, etc.  But her true gift was in helping families make memories in glittery dance costumes, beautiful prom dresses, or custom bridal attire.  She dressed the casts of countless school plays, created cute and meaningful quilted Teddy bears and T-shirt blankets, and created incredibly detailed and fun Halloween costumes.

While running her sewing business, later adding custom embroidery, Annette also began providing in-home care for the children of many Lee’s Summit teachers.  “Net Net” was deeply committed to “her kids.”  She was unbelievably creative when it came to devising ways to make every day fun.  She was so honored and grateful to their parents for entrusting their precious children to her.  Annette cherished and was proud of her kids, continuing to be involved with most of them as they grew to be amazing young adults.

When the children no longer needed before and after school care, Annette joined the staff at Lee’s Summit West High School as the Focus Room Facilitator.  There she made dear friends and happy memories.  And once again Annette was able to help even more kids … many of whom may not have successfully navigated high school without her.

Annette also prided herself on being the “Fun Aunt” to her nieces and nephews.  It was a title she was never in danger of losing.  Who else but Silly Net Net would pretend to be sleeping while driving, create wild, kid-safe challenges and dares known as “The Game,” play “Sardines” for hours (her house had a favorite hiding place fondly remembered as the “Sound-Proof Room”), help them create tie dye shirts or Spin Art masterpieces (yep, she owned four Spin Art machines), or give them thoughtful, hand-made gifts … usually customized with their embroidered names.

After several years without a life partner, Annette started her chapter with Tom Helton.  Annette and Tom married on June 20, 2009, with many of her kids taking part in a beautiful outdoor ceremony.  Annette and Tom loved going to movies, sitting in their hot tub, and decorating for every holiday.  They worked together to throw epic game night parties, and frequently hosted a Friday “Party on the Porch” for the parents of Annette’s kids.

In recent years Annette and Tom launched a business that specializes in creating and selling embroidered patches, primarily at the City Market in Kansas City, Mo.  There Tom is known as the “Patch Man,” and Annette loved customizing jackets and other items with Tom’s patches, helping their customers express themselves through one-of-a-kind wearable art.

Although Annette and Tom traveled mostly to visit family, Annette’s favorite vacations were to Grand Cayman in the Caribbean.  She thought it was the most beautiful place she ever saw, and Tom plans to scatter her ashes there.

In addition to her husband, Tom Helton of Lee’s Summit, Annette is survived by stepson Brad Ruby of Raytown, Mo., siblings (and spouses) Richelle Rader (Bill) of Lee’s Summit, James Person (Debbie) of Garden City, Mo., Patti Person (Kathy Kinney) of Lee’s Summit, Alisa Cameron of Quincy, Ill., and Steven Person (Sara) of Liberty, Mo.  Also surviving are in-laws Becky Helton of St. Charles, Mo., Jaynie Alee of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Carol Klapat (Jed) of Wilkes-Barre, Heather Helton of St. Charles, Glenda and Chuck Crate Jr. of Belton, Suzi Palmer (Steve) of Belton, Cindy Crate of Belton, Steve Crate (Rose) of Gardner, Kan., 18 nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to Chuck Crate III, Annette was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, nephew Bryce Rader, and father-in-law Wayne Helton.

The extended Helton, Person and Crate families wish peace and comfort to all whose lives are better because of the love and fun that you shared with Annette.  Be like Net Net … the world needs more people like her.

Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3^rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063