Helen Kilsdonk, age 64 of Miles City, passed away on October 17, 2015 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings.
Helen was born on December 12, 1950 in Glendive, MT. She was the daughter of Emil and Emma (Wueffel) Albrecht. Helen attended grade school in Glendive and graduated from Dawson County High School in 1974. A year after graduating, Helen moved to Miles City where she worked at Eastern Montana Industries from 1970 to 2008. In 1980, she married Eldon Kilsdonk. She worked other various jobs such as a nurse’s aide at the Custer County Rest Home, a maid at the Olive Motel and was a seamstress at the Friendship Villa and Woods-N-Goods for several years. Helen was discharged in 1992 from the Custer County Nursing Home and began living under a supported living service category and was the very first OBRA client to leave a nursing facility and receive supported Living services in Montana. She paved the way for many other special friends to follow in her footsteps. This supported living service gave Helen a quality of life that kept her happy and content until her move to the Friendship Villa in 2008 due to declining health. During her residence at the Friendship Villa, she attended the CASH group and People First of which she was the president. These groups provided peer interaction in a social setting. Helen received services from Eastern Montana Industries, Custer County Nursing Home, State of Montana Developmental Disabilities Program, AWARE, Inc, and the Friendship Villa. Helen was a “people’s person and loved and admired by many.” Helen loved to go out to eat, attend sporting events and community activities. She was an avid Bingo player and loved to shop as well. Helen was very gifted with crafting and enjoyed making hand crafted items for the fair.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lydia and her very special friends, Hank & Lois Beulow who thought of her as a daughter. She is survived by her nieces: Rosie Highsmith of Miles City, MT and her children: Ashley Hawk, Butterfly Highsmith and Maximus Aurelius Hinson; Cora Highsmith of Glendive; Christina Highsmith-Todd of Missouri and her children: Connor Todd, Jasmine Todd and Russell Todd. She is also survived by her caretakers and social workers who loved her very much.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Dolores H. Steiner says
Sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. I have known her for many years. Will miss seeing her at Friendship Villa.
Melody Jungels says
Sorry to hear of Helen’s passing, but know that she’s no longer in pain and that she’s in good company in Heaven with many of her family. This alone will bring a smile. Will miss her, but know that she’s in good hands and God will look over her.
Belle Wolfblack R N says
Loved this woman she had such a great sense of humer. Our visits were so much fun.zShe will be missed.
brigittharms says
Prayers send to family and friends. So sorry for your lose i meed Helen when i worked at the villa. verry nice lady. she sure will be mist. R.I.P. Helen
Margo Hellickson says
My thoughts and prayers to Helen’s family. I enjoyed visiting with Helen when I worked at the villa. Having come from Glendive also, I would keep her informed on Glendive happenings, teachers and people we knew in common. It was always fun to joke with Helen and get her to laugh and smile. Though she has been in pain for quite awhile, she tried to make the best of the situation and I know it was hard sometimes for her. She is now free from pain and can kick up her legs and dance and jump around. Rest in peace Helen.
Rosie Highsmith says
I miss my auntie dearly. Everyone is rite she was a fun and happy woman. My heart aches but I know she’s not in no pain now. Auntie while ur up in heaven u and my mom keep an eye on me and my kids plez. Watch over ur friends too. Love u auntie and miss u
Lonetta Lesh says
It was an honor and pleasure to have Helen as a resident of Eagles Manor while I was the manager. Her cheerful spirit and thankfulness was always an inspiration to me. I will miss our visits at the Villa, especially her December birthday. May she rejoice in Heaven.