Helen Eileen Cartwright Curran
Left this world for greener pastures on June 9, 2023 at Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, MT. Helen was born sixth of seven daughters to Lee E. Cartwright and Birdena McJunkin Cartwright on March 7, 1935, in Forsyth, MT. Helen grew up with her sisters north of Forsyth in the Hammond Valley near Vananda. When Helen was 14 years old, the family moved south to a ranch on the Rosebud Creek.
Helen married a local boy, Joe Curran, on November 17, 1951, while he was home on leave from the Navy. They moved to California and it was there that Helen became lifelong friends with Darlene Millican, the wife of one of Joe’s navy buddies. Helen and Darlene considered themselves sisters and it was Darlene that taught Helen how to make many traditional Southern dishes including her famous pecan pie. To get one of Helen’s pecan pies was considered a real treat!
When Joe shipped out to the Phillipines, Helen returned to her parents’ home on the Rosebud Creek until his return. When Joe returned, Helen and he began ranching on a place a few miles down the creek from her parents. It was there that Helen and Joe spent 71 years together building up their ranch and raising their daughter, Sandy.
As a ranchwoman, Helen was equally at home on a tractor, in the barn, or in the kitchen. She was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed making music with others at jam sessions and at home with friends when they came to visit. Late summer was one of her favorite times of the year when it was time to can and preserve vegetables from the garden and make jams and jellies. She had even been known to concoct a few jars of chokecherry bounce!
Winters were a time for Helen to pursue her myriad of handicrafts. Whether it was crocheting, embroidery, quilting or any other stitchery that she chose to do, it was always precise and beautiful. She was generous with her handiwork and gave many of those items as gifts.
Helen is survived by her husband, Joe Curran, of 71 years, their daughter, Sandy (Dane) Bradford of Billings, and her sister, Melva (Jay) Donley of Forsyth, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Her niece, Donna (Lawrence) McCulloch and their sons, Clint, Monte and Steve and their children held a very special place in Helen’s heart.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Birdena Cartwright, and sisters, Beulah Monasmith, Dorothy Wilkerson, Carol Griffin, Doris Rector and Patricia Pickering. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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.
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Donna McCulloch says
How lucky I was, how blessed I have been
You were more than my aunt, you were also my friend!
Thank you for taking me in when I was a senior and becoming my surrogate mom.
Rest in peace Aunt Helen, I miss you terribly.
Abner says
Heaven gained a good one. Sorry for your loss Joe.
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
Jon and I are so sorry to learn of Helen’s death. She will be missed by all family and friends. Condolences to the family during this sad time.
Marcus says
Sorry for your loss to the family and she will be very missed
Shirley A Skinner says
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Helen’s passing. Prayers and deepest condolences to all her family. She was an amazing lady and will be missed by many!
Duane and Sue Allred says
Joe, we would like to express our condolences to you and the family for your loss.
It’s good strong people like Helen that make us think they should live forever. We always enjoyed visiting with you and Helen whenever we saw you.
Gracie ann waples hill says
When my husband was paralyzed by falling bales of hay a little over twelve years ago it was joe and Helen who took time to send a card and two hundred dollars while we were at Craig hospital. Their note and special kindness to this old rosebud crick kid meant so much. That lady taught many to sew and I have always admired her. Ranchers wife and school bus driver and many other titles. Love to Sandy and her husband and to joe Curran.
Marilyn Dorn says
Joe and Sandy, This makes my heart hurt. Helen was a wonderful person and I am so sorry to see she is gone. But Heaven gained an angel for sure. Love and prayers of comfort.
Andrita Harris says
Joe and Sandy. So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.
Prayers.
From Andrita
Muddy Creek Montana
Donaleen Rogers says
Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of your moms passing. I remember spending many fun nights with you at the ranch. One of those memories includes having home canned meat! I was a bit skeptical, but it was so darn good! Your mom was so sweet and I have enjoyed seeing her out and about with your dad over the years. Hugs to you and Joe.
Debra Fadhl Nolan says
Joe, Sandy, and Dane. Condolences to you and your family for your loss. RIP Helen.
BONNIE CURRAN says
I am so sorry for the loss of Helen she was a very sweet person. I was lucky enough to be able to call her my sister- in -law, She was very special and missed by a lot of people.
Randy and Cora Stennerson says
Joe, Sandy, Dane so sad to hear of Helena’s passing. Her pecan pie made Randy a happy person. If you need anything let us know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She will be missed.
Elaine Egeland says
Joe, Sandy and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Helen was such a sweet lady and she will be missed by everyone.
Sharon Cope says
Joe an family so sorry for loss. Helen was a great lady and always had a smile and loved to talk about her family, Prayers to all of you, Sharon Cope
Gail M Ivester says
Sorry to here the loss of Helen. She was a special lady. Enjoyed a visit from her while Joe was getting tire repair or whatever the case. Her and Joe always had smile on they’re faces. We had some pretty good visit . Loved her gardening as well.
Jackson Craig says
Joe, Sandy and the family. Sorry for your loss here. Her legacy will always be with you as never good byes as celebration ahead of her life achievements and conquer success continue ahead forward with her in your heart and your life forever. Wonderful lady. Prayers of comfort during these recent days.
Vance Trube says
She was a great lady and she would help anyone that needed it.
Ken Stokes says
Joe and Sandy ,
My deepest sympathy to you both.
I remember meeting Joe and Helen in 1977 when I was buying horse hay from you guys.
I ran into Helen often at the grocery store in Colstrip and spent many hours talking to Joe in the truck waiting for Helen to finish shopping.
Helen will be missed by all who knew her.
Deepest sympathy and prayers.
Allison McRae Williams says
So sad to hear of Helen’s passing. Helen (and Joe!) were the perfect next-door neighbors when I was growing up. I always thought Helen would live to be 108 with such a love for life and all her projects. When I think of Helen, I think of the New Year’s Eve dances at the cabin, Helen on the piano, and especially that Broom Dance! I wish I knew how many trees Helen planted in her life. She is the only person I ever knew who handmade a tablecloth! My favorite memory is when Helen asked my mom to see my blue-edged stoneware dish pattern so she could hand weave placemats that matched for Eric and I when we got married. She was so humble that I had to request those little tags that say “Hand made by Helen Curran.” Anyway, her labor of love is one of my most cherished possessions. Thinking of you Joe, Sandy and Dane – what a gem she was.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Oh dear Helen I just heard about your passing. My heart is broken that I didn’t get to tell you goodbye. I loved you dearly and you meant the world to me. I miss you making me those nummy pickled beets every year. I absolutely loved you and Joe spending every Thursday lunch with me at Jimmy’s Subs. There was never a time that you didn’t let my family hunt. You and Joe were so generous with your love. I will never forget you being there for me when I lost my parents. I am so happy you and Joe are together still. I love you