Helen L. ORVIS

Helen L. ORVIS, nee Coats, of Wellsville, NY, passed away November 10, 2025. 

Born August 28, 1951, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Floyd and Clara Mae Vancuren Coats and was one of four siblings. Helen was the loving wife of Raymond L. Orvis and was married on July 11, 1970. Raymond predeceased her on December 31, 2011. 

Surviving are: her sisters, Katherine Bowman of Oklahoma and Shirley (Dean) Skinner of South Carolina; a brother, James S. (Barbara) Coats of New Mexico; two daughters, Camille (Jeff) of Corona, CA and Anastasia of Rochester; three grandchildren, Jennifer, Jesse, and Ryan; and many cousins. 

She grew up in Andover until she was six and then moved to Phillips Creek before settling down in Wellsville, where she attended Wellsville High School. Later, she ran an in-home daycare for many years and loved all the children she took care of and helped raise. She especially enjoyed being a greeter at Grace United Church in Wellsville. Helen cherished her time with her family and loved home-cooked meals together, strolling through town, playing cards, and going antiquing. She also loved her trips to California to visit her daughter’s family and going to Disneyland. Another favorite pastime was being with her friends and going on excursions to Corning, Hornell, Rochester, and Buffalo. Helen will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. The family wishes to express gratitude for all the support Helen received this past year and for of all the kind words the family has received. 

Friends may call at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville, NY on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 5:00 – 6:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 6:00 PM. Rev. Dr. Alex Wright will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville. 

Memorials may be made to Allegany County Cancer Services, P.O. Box 534, Wellsville, NY 14895. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.