A live stream of the funeral service will be available here:
Patricia Helm, age 86, of Miles City passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.
Patricia (Pat) was born in Miles City, MT on June 15, 1936 to Erma and Paul Spears. She joined a brother, Gene, and was later gifted a sister, Ruth, brother, Charles, and sister, Nancy. She was raised in the Meridith area, where she attended elementary school. She then attended Custer County High School until her senior year. She then met the love of her life in Gerhard (Gary) Helm at a Kinsey dance. Shortly thereafter, on September 27, 1953, they became happily married. They began their life together on the Helm family ranch on Watson Flats, 38 miles southeast of Jordan, MT. There, they continued to enjoy the dances at Cohagen, Angela, Meredith, and Kinsey. They were blessed with their first born, Gary Paul, in 1954. He was followed by Rick in 1955, Tom in 1956, and Kathy in 1958. Throughout the years, Pat was involved with 4-H as a leader and council member, National Farmer’s Association, Sunday school teacher, the Prairie Chickens, and The Tongue River Cowbelles. She was always happy to provide meals for the Lutheran church minister. Pat loved to play the piano, read, dance, do puzzles, raise beautiful flowers, camp and fish, and play cards with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Pat was always ready to help on the ranch working cattle, driving tractor, or wherever she was needed. Pat and Gary began a whole new adventure when they moved to their new ranch along the Tongue River in 1977. Pat continued to stay busy and enjoy life by becoming the bookkeeper for Helm Herford Ranch and secretary and treasurer for Tongue River Water Users. These endeavors were made possible by Pat’s determination to complete classes in business and receive her high school diploma with her son Tom in 1975. She also started her own business in the Helm Bed and Breakfast. Pat loved meeting her guests from all over the world and making them feel comfortable and at home. Pat knew how to host a party. She hosted Montana Statewide Electric Association, 4th of July picnic with river floats, Hereford tours, card parties, and numerous holidays. Pat also served on the board for the Senior Citizens Center, where she loved to chat and play cards.
Pat is survived by her husband of 68 years, Gary Helm; four children, Gary Paul (Vicki) Helm of Miles City, Rick (Irene) Helm of Thermopolis, Tom (Aleida) Helm of Toston, and Kathy (Jim) Bowers of Broadus; two siblings Ruth Bond and Chuck Spears;10 grandchildren Aaron (Cody) Helm, Jamie (Casey) Helm, Travis (Jenny) Helm, Brent (Shawna) Helm, Starre Helm, Boone Helm, Kascade (Abby) Helm, Sherry (Coaly) Huckins, Kristy (John) Elgin, Mike (Amber) Bowers; fifteen great grandchildren Cole Helm, Clay Helm, Carter Helm, Colter Paxon, Adelyn Helm, Cassie Moore, Chloe Moore, Thea Moore, Ira Moore, Ashlee Helm, Brayden Helm, Fallon Huckins, Malin Huckins, Jack Elgin, Jordy Elgin, Sammie Hart, and baby Huckins on the way. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gene, and her sister Nancy.
Family will receive friends on Monday, September 19, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Custer County Senior Citizens Drop in Center Fund, P.O. Box 1263, Miles City, MT 59301 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday September 19, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 20, 2022
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday September 20, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday September 19, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 20, 2022
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday September 20, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Dr. And Mrs. Ammerman and family says
To a lady who became a great friend over the years. I will miss your friendship and our back and forth banter. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. I’ll miss ya Pat!
Phillip Losinski says
We had the BEST neighbors, and Pat was right at the top!
Always made you feel at home. They are all good memories.
Sheila says
So sorry to hear about your loss. Pat was a friend of my Mom for years. I got to visit with her whenever she made it to their luncheon at airport inn. Prayers are with the family.
Marcy Parks says
Cody, Aaron, Gerhardt, and families, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Pat’s Family, she was an awesome lady. Loved visiting with her whenever we saw her. Many hugs to you all, think of all the good times to help you thru the sad times.
Jessie Leidholt says
To all of Pat’s family, Jim and I am so sorry for the loss of your Pat. She was a good mama and wife, sister and grandma, and inlaw. Hugs to all of you.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Was so very sorry to read this. Have very fond memories of Pat as our neighbor for many years and a leader when I was in 4-H. So enjoyed seeing her in Miles City as she was always up for a good visit. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! God Bless!
Ann (Losinski) Wetherelt and Bill Wetherelt says
Pat was so very influential in my early years with her complete confidence in getting things done and her ability to talk to us kids as equals. Memories of Ft Peck camping trips, New Years Eve get-togethers, 4-H events are all such wonderful times. Also the boxes of 45 records and books she would let u!s borrow were wonderful in my early years. Loved listening to her play the piano for us to sing along (and encouraging those of us who couldn’t really sing). Remembering such happy times in our wonderful neighborhood back then. Pat will forever have a very special place in my heart for everything she did for me. Thoughts and prayers for all the family at this time.
Marilyn Mader says
I have very fond memories of Pat. I always had a grand time at her house and one of my favorite zuchini recipes is from her. I taught at Garland many years ago and she was always so welcoming and fun! I ask the Lord to grant you comfort as you go through this time of change and mourning!
Sue and Dennis Bakken says
Our deepest sympathies.
Ralph ad Sally says
To all of Pat’s family, our deepest sympathy. I enjoyed all my visits with Pat. So glad I had the chance to visit her in the hospital 2 weeks ago. She will be greatly missed.
Sandra vinge says
You probably don’t remember me but I knew your family well when my husband Ken was pastor in Jordan. Your family was wonderful to Ken and I when he would preach on sundays in your country church. Hans, our son, was born in Jordan on the same day as bill’s daughter was. Ken is now gone but I still live in Minnesota with 4 grown children scattered around the US. I remember those days well and send my thoughts and prayers to you at this time.
Sina Martin says
I’m shocked and deeply sorry for your loss. I loved Grandma Pat like my own Grandma and will always have her in my heart ♥
Bryan Spears says
Aunt Pat was the best I want to thank you for everything that you did for me and all my family and friends everybody that came to your house stills talks about it today. I’ll always cherish the time I spent with you. Thanks for all. Bryan
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
Sending our heartfelt sympathy. Pat was a wonderful country gal who had a positive outlook on life, and a ready smile for all who knew her!
Shirley & Walter Rolf says
What a lady she was, never knew a stranger and if he/she was, it wasn’t long before she knew everything about them. Always a friendly smile. She will be missed.
Mary(Guesanburu) Kindt says
Thoughts and prayers to all the Helm families. Such a wonderful support and cheer leader during our school and 4-H years!! What a wonderful legacy she leaves!!
Curt and Kate Terrett says
To all of Pat’s family, so sorry for your loss
Cindy and Dale Berg says
We are so sorry for your loss. Pat was a neat lady!. Prayers to you all at this difficult time.
Larry and Sheri Schmidt says
So sad reading that Pat has passed. Many blessings to all of the family. Will have many fond memories of the time spent with you in the past, from the old country church, card playing and the Hereford cattle. RIP
Kathleen Long says
My condolences to all of Pat’s family and loved ones. I have many fond memories of her as a neighbor and friend. So many times I was fortunate to be in her kitchen and at her table. Every time I moved to a new home she invited me out to dig plants for my latest beautification project. Those days are long past but the memories are still strong. In recent years it has been a pleasure to catch up with her upon occasion at Helm family events.
Andrea and Vern Rice says
Sending our deepest condolences to all of Pat’s family.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Diana McLean says
Condolences to Pat’s family. She was one of a kind of women. I met Pat through our many TRECO after meetings gathering. She will be greatly missed by us all.
Vanna Byrd says
Kathy and Bowers/Elgin family,
My deepest condolences to you during this tough time.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Pat will be missed by so many. My sincere sympathy to Gary and all the family. Your memories will sustain you.
Dwayne and Karen Taylor says
Wonderful lady your though abd prayers go out to the Helm family
Ted and Cathy Elgin says
Pat was a great lady. We will miss her! Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Sending prayers and condolences to all of the Helm family.
Voni & Scott Tally says
Pat was truly a nice lady- I always enjoyed her at our store. Prayers & blessings to all your family.
Linda Seleg Wyse says
So sorry to hear about Pat she was a very beautiful lady instead and out, love visiting with her, remember all the good times, sending thoughts and prayers.
Lynda Johnston says
Dear Helm family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many happy 4-H memories of Gary and Patty Helm.
Love, Lynda Hill Johnston
Diana Pluhar Ruis says
Sending hugs, prayers, and deepest sympathy to Gary and the Helm family in the loss of dear Patty. Our families had such great times together in years past, and Patty was such a joy to be around. May fond memories and God’s grace bring you comfort during this sad time.
Lloyd and Diana Pluhar Ruis
Patricia Franklin says
Kathy and family, so sorry for your loss, thinking of you during this time.
Kate and Curt Terrett says
So sorry for your loss, Pat was a special lady she will be missed .
Debbie (Pluhar) & Jim French says
Dear Helm Family,
We were saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. I, like others, recall ALL the wonderful & fun times we had at the Helm Home. Those “Northside” get together’s were The Best & I miss them. Whether at home or elsewhere Pat’s hospitality & smile welcomed you. It warms my heart to think of the lifelong, faithful & steadfast friendship Pat (& Gary) had w/ Mom & Dad. Oh, that we all could be so blessed. Our hearts go out to you all during this most difficult time. You’re in our prayers!
Sandy Rabe says
To all the families of Pat, I pray that God gives you peace and comfort in all the wonderful memories you have. May the Lord bless you all.
Jo Ryan says
Helm Family: My most sincere condolences to you all.
Muriel Selk says
Gary and families: So saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. My husband Gary, used to do a lot of carpentry work for your family. It seemed our conversations always took place in Walmart where we would visit until we were all late for where we were going. My Gary had so much respect for Pat and you, Gary. May all your wonderful memories and God’s love sustain all of you during this difficult time.
Cheryl (Hafla) Smutt says
I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was a very special lady.
Harriet Jansen says
Sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Have known her since her parents lived across the road from us at Thurlow. May your fond memories help you through this sad time. Sending prayers. Harriet, Sleaford, Jansen
William Collins says
Kathy:
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Thoughts and prayers with you and your entire family.
Pete and June Minow says
Extending our sympathy to all of the Helm family. Pat was such a nice lady.
Wendy Schenk says
To the Helm Family,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Pat. What a wonderful person she was. Even after years of not seeing her, she would remember who I was and make a point to come over to visit with me. She will be missed deeply.
Ron and Maryjo Barnard says
Ron and I just saw where Pat has passed. What an incredibly sweet lady! She introduced me to Montana flower gardening, and gave me my first Maltese
Cross flowers. It was always a joy to see her. Prayers for the family. Hugs for Gary.
Kash Spang says
I love my Ms Pat.
Bernadette Conrad in Cambridge, NY says
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Pat.
I live in Upstate NY and my family and I spent several days with Pat and Gary at the Helm Ranch. It was several years ago during the Bucking Horse Sale….loved it!
We lived in Miles City on North Montana and still miss it!
Pat was so friendly and made us so welcomed!!!
My sincere sadness that she is gone! Blessings to the whole family… especially Gary!! Love to all💕❤️💕
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
Bil and I are so sorry that we were absent for Pat’s funeral! We just learned about her going tone with the Lord when Gary’s obit showed up on Facebook. Our prayers to all of you for the loss of two GREAT people!