Helen June Harlan Bailey, 88, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024 at home in Helena, MT.
She was the fourth daughter born to Gladys and Charles Harlan of Columbus, MT. Helen was born in Columbus and joined sisters Ruth, Margaret, and Donna at the family home on June 17, 1936. Her parents and sisters preceded her in death.
Helen graduated high school in 1954 and entered college at the University of Montana (then known as Montana State University) in Missoula. She graduated from U of M with a B.S. degree and a Montana Teaching Certificate in Health, Physical Education (PE), and Recreation for grades K-9.
Helen was active on campus teaching beginning swimming, playing intramural team sports, and as a member of Kams and Dregs, an honor humor society promoting school spirit activities. She also belonged to the women’s synchronized swimming club called Aquamaids, putting shows on for the community every year. Helen also belonged to Alpha Nu Sigma Kappa social sorority.
Helen’s teaching career started in 1958 in the Deer Lodge Public School System to elementary students in Health and PE, and teaching swimming to 7–9-year-old girls and boys. In 1960 her career took her to the Great Falls Public School System. She helped to initiate new curricula and taught Health classes to 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students.
In June 1963, Helen married the love of her life, Clifton E Bailey in Missoula, MT. Later that year they moved to Helena where she taught PE to 7th graders in the Helena Public School System. Mr. Bailey passed away in 1984.
Survivors include daughter Michelle Hall (Rick), one grandson Ben Hall, several nieces and nephews, and a special black kitty named Purrl.
Services will be held at a future date due to family availability. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to leave condolences in memory of Helen and to also see updated service information. Arrangements have been entrusted with Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, MT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Helen to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 2112 E Custer Ave, Helena, MT 59602.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Colleen Hatcher says
To Helen’s Family, She was such a Spitfire!! And GRIZ fan! Will miss her and her adventerous and devious things she would do. HUGS to you all!! Colleen Hatcher
Steve Armstrong says
Michelle and family,
I am saddened to learn of Helen’s passing. I know that it’s been a while since we last saw you, but I have fond memories of our friendship during the 1980s in Helena.
From Helen’s support of your academic endeavors in both Linnea’s and my classes, her support to you during our Close-Up trips to D.C., your visit with us in Bigfork including a boat tour of Flathead Lake. And the many times that we shared each other’s company and conversation while living in close proximity at Coventry Court.
May the memories you have of your Mom bring a smile to you for many more years to come.
My sympathies to you, Michelle.
Vicki and Jim Turner says
Oh Michelle, I am so sorry. Your mom was the best godmother to me. Such a spark of humor and so full of love. My deepest condolences to you, Rick and Ben. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Love you god-cousin! Sending big hugs!
Kristi Blackburn says
Dear Michelle, Rick, and Ben,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Helen was so special. She loved you all so very much!
So many memories— her quick wit and intelligence made for hysterical and thought provoking conversations. Her life was a master class in leadership: walking the walk. Always compassionate. Always there for others. She is with her soul mate in Heaven and I know they are watching over you all. I’m sure the kittehs were there to greet her at the Gates as well.
Thank you for sharing her with me, God cousin! She was the best Godmother and lifelong friend.
Sending love and hugs 🙏❤️
Carol Jensen says
Michelle and Family.
Marg was my Aunt and I saw Helen various times thru Marg and Si. I got to know her best at Uncle Si funeral as I spent a few days in Havre. I went to Montana City a couple different times and visited with her. We stayed in touch and I really enjoyed her sense of humor and her beautiful glass work.
She was a great lady and a women ahead of her times!
My condolences to you and your family. I will keep watching for any information about future services for her.
Blessings ,
Carol Jensen
Rick Ahmann says
Michelle –
Your Mom was always one of the brightest stars in Helena! I would see her at Church or community gatherings and she was always so eager to engage. Her friendships were so deep and she was so highly regarded. I will miss her wit and the sparkle in her eyes. May she Rest in Peace and may the peace that passes all understanding be yours in these days. Hoping many fond memories will carry her spirit forward with you.
Rick Ahmann
Helen Beausoleil says
Michelle,
May all your treasured memories be with you these days. I too have such fond memories of your mom. Remembering some great conversations. She was so proud of you.
Nancy Boderick says
Helen was the greatest aunt a person could have! She was my Mom’s ( Margaret’s) youngest sister. Since she lived very close to us while we (2 brothers and one sister) were growing up in the ‘50s and ‘60s in Columbus, MT, she was there for many family activities. She played cards, Monopoly, Scrabble and croquet with us. It was like having a big sister around all the time. We all loved her, and she’ll be SO missed.
Kathkeen Maddux Brewer says
My condolences to your family. Although our paths didn’t cross often since the 90’s I was fond of her and admired her and her wit. 0Ur families goes back to Columbus for decades so I always knew Helen, her sisters and parents. A peaceful rest Helen and may you be with that wonderful guy Cliff .
Nanette Whitman-Holmes says
Michelle and family, we enjoyed getting to know Helen these past few years and playing pinochle with her on Fridays. She was always considerate, asking about my Mom, Beverly, and my son, Colin. Bruce and I, along with my Dad, John, will miss matching wits with her at the card table. Our sincere condolences.
Margie Palmer Booth says
Hello Michelle,
Please accept my deepest condolences regarding your mom’s passing. She was an important part of my parents’ lives for the 50+ years they have lived in Helena, and therefore we shared several holidays and other events over the years with Helen. She had a beautiful smile, quick wit, and eyes that sparkled. One year my mom gifted me with 2 stained glass ornaments that Helen made, and I think of her and enjoy putting them on our Christmas tree every year. Please be assured that you, your mom, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May warm memories comfort you and may God bless you with His peace.
Randi Rognlie says
I’m sorry for your loss, Michelle. I have fond memories of your mom when we were kids. I remember running over to your house from Lockey Park and feeling welcome. Its so hard to say goodbye to your mom. May she rest in peace.