Helen Dora Harris, 92, of Townsend, passed away on April 20, 2011 of natural causes.
Helen was born to Orlando and Catherine Allen on August 5, 1918 in Pyrniese, MT.
She grew up in Radersburg, MT and graduated in 1937 from Girl’s Central High School in Butte, MT.
Helen married George Harris on April 4, 1942 at the Priest House in Townsend, MT. George passed away March 18, 1978.
Helen worked as a homemaker until 1976 and then went to work as a cook at the Townsend Nursing Home until she retired and became a full-time entertainer. She had many hobbies and interests, including singing, yodeling, writing and reciting poetry, playing her harmonica and electric organ, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and entertaining. She was a member of Toston Catholic Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend.
Grandma lived a rich and full life. Birthday cards were always unique with a poem from grandma. No matter who she met, they were entertained by one of her songs or poems. If grandma met a challenge, it was always, “that’s how the cookie crumbles,” or, “that’s a dish of pickles.”
Helen is survived by her sons, Paul (Connie) Harris and Ronnie (Brenda) Harris; daughter, Barb (Alan “Fats”) Gullickson; sister, Jean Buckingham; grandchildren, Jason, Georgia, Jackie, J.W., Cody, Jessie, Tanner (Denise), Tamika (Miles), Nikki (Mike), Tyler (Megan), Brandon (Clair), and Jami (David); great-grandchildren, Samantha, Logan, Jordan, Britten, Preston, Parker, Zachery, Brandon, Hannah, Makayla, Savannah, Brooke, Olivia, Teagen, Payton, Walker, and Fallon; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her “Momma & Poppa;” her husband, George; son, Bill; brothers and sisters, Johnny, Bessie, Connie, Jammie, Margaret, Harry, Martha, Mary, Bobbie, and Ann.
The family will begin receiving friends at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 24th with Vigil service to be held at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 25th at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Radersburg Cemetery. A reception will then be held in the Radersburg School House immediately following the burial. Memorials are suggested to the Radersburg Historical Preservation, P.O. Box 507, Radersburg/Toston, MT 59643 or to the Montana Independent Living Project (MILP), 34 North Last Chance Gulch, Suite 500, Helena, MT 59601.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Jim, Amanda, Gaelyn, and Logan Domino says
We wish you all peace and great memories during this time of loss. Sincerely, the Domino Family
Marlene Sorensen says
Harris family,
So sorry for your loss. You have been so blessed to have had your mother with you as long as you did. Always enjoyed coming to Radarsburg to see family. God Bless you during this time.
Mike Castleberry says
Helen—what a sweetie! Always a song in her heart—and on her lips. What a joy you bring to Radersburg!
Tom & Anni Druce says
To the Gullickson & Harris families,
Our hearts and prayers are with you today and always. May the wonderful memories of your dear Mom help you through this difficult time. I can see her reading a poem she has written for each of you.
Tom & Anni