Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Helene Pauline Dyba Bender passed away at the age of 95 at Friendship Villa in Miles City, Montana on October 23, 2017.
She was born the daughter of Carl and Dora Pinnow on January 8, 1922, in Baker, Montana. Helene was the third of eight children, and she attended Kircher School through the 8th grade.
In March of 1938, she and John H. Dyba were married in Jordan, Montana. To this union, seven children were born; George, Patricia, Leona, James, Susie, Linda, and Gloria. They raised their family in the Miles City area. After 31 years of marriage, John passed away. Helene then remarried Mark Bender of Kinsey, Montana. They were married for 16 years until Mark’s death. Later in life, she met her special friend, Phil Owens, whom she shared many special memories and years with.
From 1951 through 1954, Helene attended the Holy Rosary Presentation Nursing School. She was a nurse for 45 years at Holy Rosary Hospital and Garberson Clinic. At the end of her career, she was a hospice nurse who tenderly cared for her patients. Helene’s first love was to care for others.
She was a hard worker in every sense of the word. She had boundless loads of energy and was always on the go. She loved driving tours along the countryside, especially going to her daughter Linda and husband Merle’s ranch and to Oregon to visit Patricia and Helena to see Susie. She cherished the mink coat that George bought her. She also looked forward to the Thanksgiving mess they would create in the kitchen together. She liked to pick asparagus along the riverbank. Helene also loved to sing, dance, travel, fish, and play Bingo. She was fond of hiking and looking for agates. She was a master gardener and in her early 80’s she had earned “Yard of the Week”’ for her immaculate yard. This was a big source of pride. Helene’s hobbies were many, but her most memorable was her needlework. Her children and grandchildren will cherish her beautiful crocheted, knitted and embroidered works of art. Helene’s children will also remember her love of singing! The songs she sang were passed down to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Preceding Helene in death is her father Carl Pinnow, her mother Dora Pinnow, her sons: George Dyba, James Dyba, her daughter Gloria Lutgen, and her grandchildren: Steve Hoggatt, Wanda Ruffner, and Patrick Mills, her brothers Hans, Jon, Paul and Carl Pinnow, and her sister Montana Dyba.
She is survived by her sisters: Martha(Lonnie) Bell of Billings and Doris Waddell of Billings, her children: Patricia Williams of Vancouver, Washington, Leona Michel of Marmarth, North Dakota, Susie (Jim) Hogan of Helena, Montana and Linda (Merle) Clark of Marmarth, North Dakota, 23 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren.
“There is a new star shining tonight”. We love you Mom!
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with a reception to follow at The Parlor, 1806 Main Street
Condolences to the family made be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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John & Nikki Brown says
Dear Linda, Merle, Ward, Chris, and all of your families,
Our sincere sympathies on the loss of your mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
May she be at peace.
Sincerely,
John & Nikki
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Helene was a wonderful neighbor. She watched over my rhubarb plant like it was hers and helped me keep it picked. Enjoyed all our visits. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Remember all the fun times you had with her.
Lou Schield says
So sorry Linda about your mom passing away. In prays!
Gary and Janie Owens says
Helene will always hold a special place in our family’s hearts. She was a special lady: kind hearted, caring, hard working, and strong minded. She will be warmly remembered and surely missed.
Joan Grammond says
Linda, our prayers are with you and your family.
Shareen Bock says
My thoughts and prayers are with all my relatives. I will always remember Aunt Helene.
Diane Welbes says
Linda–Thoughts & Prayers for you & family.
Melody Caron says
Leona,Linda,Pat,Jon,Mike,Rhonda,Melissa,Ward,and Chris, sorry for your loss prayers to you all. MAY Jesus comfort you in this time of need ?
Tom Masa says
Linda
Thinking of you! Stay strong.
Karen waddell says
I have fond memories of Aunt Helen. As a child we would visit often and I was impressed she could do it all, raise seven? Children, cook great meals, work and knit amazing coats with gorgeous western and natural designs. I was closest to two of her daughters, Gloria Kay (Kay Kay) and Linda. She had a hearty laugh and you could hear the bit of German accent in her speech. Although she did not recognize me when I saw her in the summer of 2015, she told me I was a good daughter and to have a good life.
Rest now in peace.
Ginger (Annalora) Weiss says
Dear Patsy, Leona and families,
Was sorry to read of your mom’s. She was such a nice lady and I enjoyed going to your home after school or on weekends. May your wonderful memories give you peace.
Prayers & Deepest Sympathy,
Ginger (Annalora) Weiss
Sandi and Jim Updyke says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Helen was a wonderful lady. God bless you all ???
Marilyn May & Jim May says
Sending our sympathy in your loss of such a neat woman
We had fun visits, while I stayed in the “stone
house “. near her. So much life…
Robert Zabroski says
Helen I remember you always been there for my mother Marcella Zabroski your classmate in nursing school I remember selling these papers at the Holy Rosary Hospital remember seeing you and Mom working together. I have always had fond memories of you Helen and I snuck in a few days before you passed away to say hi. God bless you Helen and your family I remember growing up with your children and had a crush on one or two your daughters. Will see you in heaven Robert Zabroski Marcella’s son.
Aimee Owens says
I’m so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. My family is very thankful that grandpa Phil had Helen in his life. I know she brought him comfort and joy. I will always remember Helen as a strong, self-sufficient woman. Gardening, mowing, cooking, even getting rid of mice….Helen did it all! My thoughts and prayers are with you.