Helen Major Graham died on March 9, 2019 at Holy Rosary Residential Care just 16 days short of her 99th birthday. She was born on March 25, 1920 in Socorro, New Mexico, the second of eight children. She attended Magdalena High School. In her senior year she was swept off her feet by a young cowboy/State Trooper. After a whirlwind courtship, she married Jim Graham November 16, 1938. The marriage lasted over 50 years until Jim died March 15, 1989.
They had five children, Sharon (Pat) McKittrick; Les (Diane) Graham; Bob Graham; Pat (Lanette) Graham, Mary Sue (Herb) Kron.
Helen’s Father, Malcolm was a pioneer New Mexico rancher who also raised Quarter Horses. Helen at the tender age of 16 was her Dad’s jockey. She also was a chief caregiver for her siblings.
During WWII Jim was a Captain in the Army Air Force and served as a fighter pilot instructor and a test pilot. He was selected to attend and graduated from combat intelligence training school.
During this time Helen and children, Sharon and Les, lived at various bases in the States and with the Major family in New Mexico.
After the war, Jim and Helen began ranching. Bob and Pat were born shortly thereafter. They moved to the Miles City area in 1955, where Mary Sue was born. Jim managed the TD Ranch Company near Locate, until it sold in 1967. They continued to ranch in the Locate area until 1986 when they moved to Miles City.
During the time at the ranch, she was “the hired man” working in conjunction with Jim while also caring for the kids. She loved every aspect of ranching life. She was a wonderful cook and baker, experiencing great joy in preparing and serving delicious meals to the family and anyone who happened by, whether friends or strangers. She was active with her many friends in the Locate/Knowlton Home Demonstration Club, serving for a time as President.
Central to her life was her family and her deep Catholic faith, which never faltered. While not having a formal education, she had a wonderful creative writing ability, writing stories of her youth, children’s stories or poetry. She was also musically talented and could play many instruments by ear with the piano being her favorite. She was always keenly interested in current events and education.
Her children, 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one sister survive her. Her sister, Marie, died on the same day just hours after Helen died.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, parents, three brothers, and two sisters.
A Rosary and Vigil Service will be celebrated on Friday, March 15 at 6 p.m. at the Chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 15, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church in Miles City. The Reverend Jolly will be the celebrant. Private burial services will be held at a later date in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. Following the service, dinner will be served in the parish hall. Everyone is invited.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, Holy Rosary Residential Care/Hospice or to the charity of one’s choice.
Finally, the family wishes to express our deepest gratitude and thanks to our brother Pat, his wife, Lanette, and children, David and Jennifer, for their unending devotion and tireless care of our Mother.
Service Schedule
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday March 15, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
2:00 p.m.
Saturday March 16, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Private Family Interment will be held at later date.
Eastern Montana Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday March 15, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
2:00 p.m.
Saturday March 16, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Private Family Interment will be held at later date.
Eastern Montana Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Patsy George Almy says
A grand lady, and a loyal friend.
Bobbi Askin says
What a wonderful lady – always loved visiting with her! Sending prayers to the family.
Deb Donndelinger says
Earth has lost a wonderful soul.
Marj Anderson says
Oh Helen! Such a sweet lady! I think of her every time I realize that I am talking faster than anyone can listen. She once told me that I talk much too fast and needed to slow down when speaking to others. And she was right! I will always cherish my memories of her. RIP Helen.
Dannette Cremer says
Sincere sympathy to all of Helen’s family. I knew her birthday was approaching and planned a to visit her this weekend. Loved my visits with her over the years.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Wanda Gresens says
Pat thinking of you and your family at this time .
Larry Phalen says
Sally and I send our love, condolences, and prayers. We are just two of many who loved this wonderful woman of God.
Connie and Gene Bankey says
Our prayers and condolences to your family. So thankful to have given the opportunity to share a small part of Mrs Graham’s life over the years. May God grant her eternal rest. Prayers for strength and comfort for your families during these times and the days to come. Up
Art and Jeanne Drange says
Prayers to all of you. Loved visited with , Helen. I remember how Mom just love spending time with her. She leave’s los of memoris for a lot of people.
Melva & Ed Curnan says
What a wonderful lady Helen was I always enjoyed talking with her. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Rest In Peace Helen
Bob Phalen says
What a precious lady that was gained by the Lord, Hopefully you all will be comforted that she is in a better place! God Bless you all!!
Bob and Connie Phalen
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family ,that God will gave you all understanding , He takes the best God Bless!!!!
Hazel Stabler says
Helen was a classy lady. I really enjoyed her over the years. She will be dearly missed!
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Helen was a wonderful woman, always greeted me with a smile and friendship. My prayers for her family.
Mary Luhr says
So sorry for your loss. Loved listening to all of Helen’s stories when I would go to her house and drop off her Mary Kay orders! She will be missed!
Cindy Berg says
Helen was such a dear lady and her smile will be missed by many. My prayers to all of you.
What a legacy she has left. God Bless.
Cheryl Neal says
My sympathy for the family’s loss. It is hard to lose a parent no matter what their age or yours. But we can take comfort we will see them someday in heaven. Prayers for all.
Bridgette Bradshaw-Fleer says
Our prayers and sympathy for the family’s loss. I have many fond memories of Helen and her family living at the ranch. May prayers comfort you and God bless you!
Charles Hill says
My Aunt Helen is a second mom to me. All through my life we have stayed in touch. Helen was the person that I loved to talk with about all the aspects of my life. She is always so understanding. She always help me figure out resolutions for my problems. Helen always had a natural kind and loving manner within her. She did not carry grudges. I am sure our creator has a wonderful place for her. I miss so much. My wife Nora wants Helen to know that she loves her dearly.
Charles Hill says
How many times do I have to click submit. ?
Why does you page keep rejecting me.?
Ann and Ron Roberts says
We will always remember Helen as an extra special neighbor and a gracious lady. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tamara J Choat says
Pat, Lynnette, David, Jennifer and all Helen’s family,
Our thoughts are with you during your loss. I know your mom and grandma was a very special part of your life, and she obviously did a good job raising her family. Her legacy lives on in all that you do. How wonderful to know we’ll see her again. God bless you all.
Travis and Tamara Choat and family
Verlin and Bernadette Miller says
We’ve known Helen for many years and enjoyed visiting and hearing stories of the past. She has a wonderful family to continue her legacy! Verlin and Bernadette Miller
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending condolences to all the Graham family.
Vickie Gunderson says
Heaven has gained a wonderful lady. I have such fond memories of Helen for as long as I can remember. Our prayers and sympathies go out to all her family..she will be sorely missed.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson
Michelle Major Auer says
Sending my love, warm thoughts and memories of Aunt Helen, and heartfelt prayers out to my cousins and extended family out in Montana. Peace and blessings 💗🙏
Mike and Marty Copps says
Sending hugs thoughts and prayers. She was s special lady
Pat and Sandy Anderson says
Helena was so much fun to visit with. She always told great stories of family and friends! I loved listening to her stories. She was just a peach. We’re so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for you all and lots of love.
Bonnie Bradshaw McPartland says
Someone was knocking on the front door. It had to be a salesman since neighbors came to the back door. Newly arrived on the Powder River, Helen Graham, in her soft southern drawl, introduced herself as our new neighbor. She quickly transitioned to using the back. Helen and my mom, Nora, became good friends. I remember growing up with the Graham kids and attending school at Locate with Les and Bobby. One time after Mass at Grahams’, and the breakfast which followed, I asked if Helen would teach me to bake bread. She graciously taught me and I still use her recipe. Somewhere is a picture of Helen dressed in coveralls throwing hay to cattle, a big smile on her face. Helen probably politely entered Heaven through the front door, but come to the back if you want to be her neighbor.
Terri and Ray Schmidt says
What an amazing and great legacy Helen has left. She touched so, so many people’s hearts and lives and she will be remembered so lovingly by so many of us. What a grand lady Helen was—always had a smile and seemed to always have something nice to say whenever you would meet her. She will truly by missed by so many. Please know we are thinking of all of you.
Cecile Wanner says
Sad that Marie died on the same day. But beautiful that they entered heaven together. I have such fond memories of both these beautiful and loving women.
Pam Sproul says
She was a special lady. My Mom and Aunt Helen are having there daily conversations in Heaven Now.. They will be missed. Love Pam Godchild of Aunt Helen
judy sprandel says
Les, Diane, Pat, Lanette and all of you,
Our deepest love to you all, she was so lovely and such fun. So glad we got to spend time with her just a few weeks ago, laughing and remembering old times with Ray and Les. (Those rascals) She lived life to the fullest, and will be missed by all of us. Our love and friendship to all of you, may your wonderful memories fill your hearts forever.
Judy and Ray Sprandel and families
Bev and Joe McNurlin says
Thinking of you all….a life well-lived.
Opp Ruben and June. says
Pat,Lannette,David ,Jennifer and all the Graham family What a gracious lady ,she will be missed by many.
May God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and the days ahead.Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
June and Ruben Opp
Curt and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss
JUDY ROSS says
Les, Diane, and family, sorry for you loss, sending prayers and hugs.
Kevin & Lori Donnelly says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Think about the time I spent at your ranch. She way an amazing lady. Sorry I couldn’t be at the funeral. I am always a day late it seems. May God be with you in the days to come.