Dorothy Helland passed away January 6, 2020 at the age of 95, but not before living a full and complete life filled with loving family and friends.
Dorothy was born in her grandmother’s house in Stickney, South Dakota on January 28, 1924, the fourth of 12 children. The large family included 8 girls and 4 boys. The family moved to a farm outside Rosebud, Montana. It was there where Dorothy attended the rural Sand Creek School through the 8th grade.
Her education was suspended for two years while she stayed home to work on the family farm. She loved the country life, but it wasn’t always easy. Dorothy carried a scar on her arm – the result of being run over by a plow as a child. Whenever asked about it, she would reply that is was “easier to walk in front of the plow than in back of it.”
When she resumed her education, she attended Rosebud High School, where she became the first member of her family to graduate.
Dorothy was an avid and active member of 4-H, attending several 4-H camps in Chicago and around Lake Michigan. She also served as a delegate for her county to the Montana State 4-H Convention.
After high school, she attended Normal School in Billings, now known as Montana State University-Billings. After one summer of school, she began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in Angela, Montana.
It was in Angela that she met Roy Helland. The two quickly fell in love and were married in Miles City, Montana on May 23, 1945. The two lived and worked in several locations before returning to the family farm at Rosebud in 1957 where they raised their family.
Dorothy loved life in the country. As a young farm wife, she was ecstatic about the prospect of getting a milk cow. Roy and Dorothy were successful family farmers until Roy’s illness forced them to retire in 1998.
After Roy’s death in 2000, Dorothy moved to Billings to be closer to her family. She loved taking excursions with her daughters and sisters, who all said she was a wonderful traveling companion. She never complained, even when the audio book playing on the car radio wasn’t to her liking. Her travels opened her to many experiences that weren’t possible during her years on the farm, including an ocean cruise, road trips, boating, canoeing, touring southern plantations and a tour of Niagara Falls. But the part she loved the best were the visits with family along the way.
God allowed Dorothy a very active life until just this past year. Special thanks to the River Stone Hospice House for the excellent care they provided Dorothy in her final days.
Dorothy will be desperately missed by those who loved her most, including her sister Margaret Artz of Puerto Rico; brothers Lawrence (Audrey) Artz of Belgrade, MT; Donald (Henri) Artz of Billings; sisters Norma (Harvey) Glock of Columbus, MT; and Esther Holobiczko of Tucson, AZ; and daughters Chris (Mitch) Nelson of Billings; and Pam (Tim) Novick of Rush City, MN. Also surviving Dorothy are 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dorothy was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Artz and Charles Artz, and four sisters, Alice Edelman, Laura Rousch, Mabel Allgaier, and Gladys Whitney.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 201 Wicks Lane in Billings. Burial will be in Forsyth Cemetery, with a reception at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home following the graveside service.
Harriet Jansen says
Sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. She was very kind to me when she lived in Thurlow. Sending prayers to all the Artz and Helland families. Harriet Morton Sleaford Jansen
B Dean Holmes says
Let me say RIP from the remaining Holmes Family, neighbors at Thurlow.
Clayton Helland says
The last time I visited with Dorothy was in 2012, it was great to see her. Pam, Chris and all the family, our thoughts are with you all. Dad, Harold Helland, and I were visiting about when Dorothy was his school teacher out “North”. He said she lived with the family for awhile during that time. Lots of stories I bet! Times were different back then when Dorothy taught the kids according to dad. I remember the occasional family gatherings at Rose and Gus’s house with Aunt Claire, I enjoyed the family very much when I got to see aunts, uncles and cousins. Harold sends his sympathies to your family as do I. Take care and prayers your way. Clayton Helland (cousin)
Melodee Clark says
Dorothy loved her children and grandchildren and spoke of them often. She loved to play games with her family. In general she loved children. Always hugging them and taking a moment to listen to them and learn about them. We will miss her smiling face in the congregation. She always had a smile for us.
G V says
To Dorothy Helland Family: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I hope your family will find solace in the words at Job 14:7 for there is hope even for a tree. We can look forward to the happy day when those we miss awaken from sleep.
M G says
Take time to grieve and find comfort in knowing that God is near all those calling on Him.( Psalms 145: 18 ) My condolences to the family.