Helen Johnson passed Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Billings, Montana, from complications of a broken hip.
Helen was born February 12, 1944 to Mary Ann and Wayne C. Irion at Ranch Creek in Powder River County. She would later tell people, “I was born in a log cabin on Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday on top of a dinosaur.”
She went to many schools in small towns around central Montana as her dad worked in road construction. Her high school years were spent in Miles City, and she was a member of the class of 1962.
Helen met LeRoy V. Johnson in 1961 and they were married in 1962. Three children were born to this union, sons Chris and Michael and daughter Lisa. In 1966 the family of 5 moved to Forsyth. She was a housewife for several years raising her children, taking them for walks in nature. These walking explorations included exploring the Dam, F hill, Castle Butte and Porcupine Lookout.
Later Helen joined the workforce. Jobs she tackled included working at the Speedway Diner and custodial jobs at the Post Office and Welfare Office.
Helen really enjoyed traveling and experienced many adventures in New Mexico, Texas, and Okinawa, Japan to see her grandchildren. She also visited Pennsylvania, California and Hawaii.
Helen truly enjoyed life and had many activities that filled her life with purpose and joy. She liked gardening, family get togethers, camping, arrowhead hunting, taking photos, scenic drives and hiking. Her favorite camping spot was Woodbine Campground on the Stillwater. She also made many trips to Glendive to spend time with her RAILS family.
Helen was an avid and fast reader, often reading an entire book in one afternoon. Her artistic talents were many. These included drawing, painting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, stitching and stained glass making. Many family members have numerous ornaments that were made by Aunt Helen. Above all Helen found joy in her pets, including Sloe Gin, Bridget, Charley, Joker, Nuisance, and Little One.
Around 2013 Helen was diagnosed with Dementia. Her children moved her to Billings so that they could help her navigate this terrible disease. During this time her outings continued with camping, exploring the Pryors and Riverfront Park.
Helen is survived by her three children, siblings Tim and Debbie, Karen and Bob, Barb and Ron, Mary and Grant, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mom and dad, brother Clark Irion, ex-husband LeRoy and great grandson Jason.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Helen’s name to the Forsyth Public Library or an Animal Shelter of your choice.
A Celebration of Life with be held on Thursday, July 18 at 1:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana. A burial will be held later that day at 4:00 pm at Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, Montana.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Thursday July 18, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
4:00 PM
Thursday July 18, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Nancy Fillafer says
So sorry to hear of Helen passing. I tell you she was one great lady. God bless you in heaven. I sure enjoyed all the camping with you all.
Dawn Reiger says
Sending my deepest condolences to the family, she will always be remembered for all of her stories of the many railroaders she served at the Speedway Diner
Carol Moore says
Helen was a great and loyal employee for many years. We had lots of laughs. Her knowledge of nature and places she visited was amazing. She had a good sense of humor . So sorry for your loss.
Kurt Seward says
Chris, Lisa, and Mike I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Helen was always such a nice person and well liked by everyone.
Pamela Belgarde Miller says
So sorry for your loss she was a great lady and a good cook.
Norma Rangel Wegmann says
Chris, Lisa and Mike and families so sorry for your loss. Thought of your mom often after she moved kept up to date with your aunt Barbara in Miles City. Helen and I had great times together before I moved. She was a great lady.
Connie Brown says
Chris,Lisa and Mike,
I have thought of your mom often and all the years she worked the night shift at the Speedway Diner, then at the Speedway Cafe. I also remember the beautiful sweaters she knitted.
She is probably in heaven talking and cooking with Georgie and my Auntie Mert and many she knew here. Course there has to be cats and flowers also! May she rest in peace!!!
Laura Kron Monasmith says
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have fond memories of her and will miss her. Sending Prayers and hugs.
Kelly says
Chris,
Im so very sorry to hear of your loss. I know how hard this is for you. My heart hurts for you! Please know Im thinking of you! Big hug!!!
Darwin Feakes says
Chris, Michael, Lisa
My deepest condolences for you and your families. She was such a soft spoken loving mother. She is at peace, God rest her sole.
Susan Moreno says
Chris and family, I am so sorry for your loss but Helen is now free to read, hike and camp! Will always remember our trip to the Pryor Mountains!
Deb Allen says
Chris and Michael… so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs, blessings and prayers for your healing. RIP Helen.
Prayers to the whole family.
Milt and Gayle Sausedo says
Chris, Michael and Lisa. Thoughts and prayers going your way at this sad time. Worked with Helen at the Post Office and shared lots of laughs and family stories. I always told her funny things my Grandkids would say and do and she always ask if I had any KIMISMSas she named them, My granddaughter is Kimi and was always saying and doing hilarious things. Will miss those days gone by. Sincere condolences to all of you and the family.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Thinking of you all and sending sympathy and prayers as you celebrate her wonderful life. Laura Lee Irion Ullrich
Alan Mooer says
lisa, So sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother treated all the rails well considering it was the late shift that we saw her the most. When she had time to visit at her work we shared many similar life views. that also included garage sales. Please fill your thought with the good days, as all who knew her will,
Lionel Archdale says
It has been years since we last visited with Helen. It was the reunion when we met up at the City Water Plant. I remember Helen’s daughter was a “mini-Helen” look-a-like and she saying, “yes, Helen is my mom” and then she was off to visit with others. We are sorry Helen is gone all too soon. She was on of many I wanted to see and visit at least once more. She always seemed to notice and say something that should have been obvious but she noticed it first. She rests in the arms of the Lord now. God bless and keep her family. Sorry at this news.
Dwayne Albertson says
Helen and I enjoyed many conversations about books. She was very well-read and provided valuable insight.
My condolences to the family.
Pam Shelton says
I am very sorry for your loss
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Chris, Mike, Lisa and family
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. She always had a kind word and was proud to share your adventures. Cherish your memories
Valerie Irion says
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers of comfort to all.
Carolyn E Hays says
Just checking the obits and here is Helen. Deepest sympathy to all of her family! She was a beautiful and talented person. Rest in peace Helen and God Bless your family. Cooky