Helen E. Richter, (Buckie), passed away on Wednesday November 21, 2012 at St. Peter’s Hospital following an extended illness. The following words are hers:
“Helena Elizabeth Buckhouse was born in St. Ignatius, Montana to Nina Isabel Mason and Joseph D. Buckhouse on March 16,1926. She was delivered by Dr. George Armour who, as a joke, brought in a little American Indian baby born the same day for Joe to hold when he came to visit mother and baby after work. Joe didn’t notice the spoof until he handed the baby to Nina when it started to cry. Dr. Armour thought it was a hoot.
Helen attended schools in St. Ignatius and graduated from high school as valedictorian. She enrolled at Montana State College (now University) and graduated with a degree in Bacteriology. The following year she attended St. Vincent Hospital School of Medical Technology in Billings. After a trip to Arizona with two school friends she took a job at St. Peter’s Hospital and a part-time job at Shodair Hospital in Helena. There were only 2 Med Tech’s in Helena at St. Peter’s and St. John’s so they covered for each often, for some time off.” Mom retired from Shoidar Hospital as Chief Laboratory Technician.
On June 23, 1951 she married Richard E. Richter. Dad preceded our mom in death on October 29, 2010. In November of 1952 Helen and Dick were blessed with the birth of their son Richard William and in January of 1954 were again blessed with the birth of their daughter Diane Louise.
Mom’s spare time, early in her adult life, included bowling and enjoying the company of her many friends and acquaintances. Later in her adult life her passion was playing bridge. Mom would often cancel appointments, including doctor appointments, if they were going to interfere with her bridge games. Mom and Dad and the family also shared wonderful weekends and vacations at our cabin on the Little Prickley Pear Creek and she and Dad took some memorable cruises and bus tours with friends.
Helen was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, Josephine Hepner #89 OES where she served as Matron and a Grand Officer and the Sapphira Temple #79 Daughter’s of the Nile. She played a mean horn in the Oriental Band.
Her parents, her brother Jack and her granddaughter Michelle Pedersen, precede Helen in death.
She is survived by her son Richard W. (Nancy) of Richland Washington, her daughter Diane Pedersen (Jeffrey) of Helena, grandchildren: Kipp Richter, Lauren Szendre (Mike), and Abbey Aust (Randy) of the tri cities in Washington, Kristy Klein (Josh) of Helena, her great granddaughter Makayla Klein, great grandson Reid Aust, and her brother Joe Buckhouse. In additional there are numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and their spouses.
Our mother was a dynamic person who was devoted to her family, work, friends and acquaintances. She put the needs and wants of everyone above her own and always was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked. She lived her life to the fullest everyday. She is gone from us, but will never be forgotten.
A memorial service celebrating Helen’s life will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, December 3rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will take place at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the reception. Memorials in Helen’s name may be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, the Algeria Shrine’s transportation fund, 15 N. Jackson, PO Box 1174, Helena, MT 59624, or charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 P.M.
Monday December 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Monday December 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
3:15 pm
Monday December 3, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 P.M.
Monday December 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Monday December 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
3:15 pm
Monday December 3, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
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Jeanne Bouma says
I loved Helen. It was a great pleasure to know her and our talks we use to have, boy will I ever miss them. Knowing she is not hurting anymore, helps me get through this. God Bless Diane, Dick and Family. If anything you should need, please let me know. God will help you through this tough time. Love, Jeanne
Joannie (Clos) Stevens says
I worked with Bucky at Shodair for many years. I have many fond memories of her that I will always treasure. She was loved & I’m sorry for the family’s loss. Love, Joannie
Sharon Holmquist Mercado says
I am so sorry for your loss of Helen. She was such a dynamic woman. She always had a smile and was quite a character and witty. I worked with her at St, Peters. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. May God comfort you. Love and Hugs, Sharon
Suzy Holt says
Buckie, I’m going to miss the memorial service, but I am thinking of you and it is with smiles and great pleasure that I recall your unique personality and character and your big heart. The years at Shodair were enriched by your friendship, as casual as it was. Rest in peace. You live on in our memories and in your children. Suzy
Yuliana says
Wray Good call, Chris. I get into such a rush when taking puitcres, because I want to take so much in, that I can get tunnel vision. I’ll work on getting a little more interesting. Thanks for the comment and your honesty. I appreciate it!