Our sweet, gentle, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother passed away on Valentine’s Day at the Billings Clinic/ Broadwater Nursing home in Townsend surrounded by her family. Our special “Lady” was known as a kind and gentle soul, for her sweet and gentle nature and that enriched the lives of everyone she encountered. She set a very standard for her family to follow.
Helen was born in Pocatello, Idaho to James E. Burt and Mary Helen Burlingame Burt on August 30,1927. She was raised in Lima, Montana, and the surrounding area with her siblings Lois and Jim. Her father did everything to make the town of Lima run, including manning the power plant and acting as a deputy sheriff. In addition, her Burt grandparents owned the local dairy. When asked how it was, growing up in the Great Depression, she stated that she never really noticed. Her father always had work to do and she did not ever feel like they went without. The family moved several times after her father started working for the Vigilante Electric Cooperative in Twin Bridges, Whitehall, and then Dillon. Helen graduated from Beaverhead County High School in Dillon, Montana in 1945 and spent several years afterwards in Dillon, attending classes at the former Montana State Normal College, now known as Western Montana University. She worked as a secretary in the local Kelly Law office.
She met her future husband, Burton Obert, at a Vigilante dance after being set up on a date by her roommate Cora Hofferber. The couple married in February of 1951, with the first of their sons, Keith, being born a year later. The couple was blessed with a total of four sons, Keith, Grant, Harry and Brian and one daughter, Ann.
The family spent the following 14 years living in Dillon and then moved to Townsend, Montana in 1968. Helen became an active member of many community clubs and organizations. She was a devout Catholic and an active member of the Holy Cross church for 52 years. She was a member and driver for her local bowling team. Helen was a member of the local garden club (despite her black thumb, as she called it), and a charter member of a monthly unofficial craft club gathering of several of her friends.
Helen was employed in the Townsend Elementary School, as a teacher’s aide, starting in 1974 through 1985. and spent her time working with any student that needed an extra hand in their studies. She was proud of ‘her students’ and continued to keep in touch with many of them, even into adulthood. Burton and Helen took an active role in the Special Olympics for several years driving their personal bus (motorhome) to events with her students.
Later years saw the couple busy enjoying family and traveling, with many yearly trips to Quartzite, Arizona as a respite from the Montana cold.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, James E. and Mary Helen Burt, her husband, Burton, her sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Stan Shafer, her brother and sister-in-law, James D. and Dolly Burt, her baby daughter, Ann, and her son, Grant.
Helen leaves behind a large family with the fierce yet gentle love that she gave to all of them. She is survived by three of her sons and spouses; Keith and Carol of East Helena, Harry of Helena, and Brian and Laura of Townsend, seven grandchildren; Shani and Fred Little, Josh and Zoe Obert, Shannon and Juan Servin-Obert, Jason Obert, Keely and Chris Matson, Megan and Mitch Hunsaker, and Morgan Obert. Twelve great grandchildren; Shaun (Katie) Little, CJ Alano, Mazey Servin, Britton Obert, Althea Alano, Tristan Obert, Ashten Obert, AJ & Geno Chase, Maggie and Bridger Matson, and Dax Hunsaker, and so many nieces and nephews.
The memorial mass will be held on Monday, February 22nd at 10 AM in the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend. The internment will be held at 2 PM in the Mountain View Cemetery in Dillon. A celebration of Helen’s life is being scheduled in mid-summer.
Memorials may be sent to: Billings Clinic/ Broadwater Nursing Home, 110 N. Oak, Townsend, Montana 59644 or to a charity of your choice.
Kathy Philipps Pottruff says
I was very saddened to hear of Helen’s passing. I had the honor of working with Helen from 1978 -1985 during her years at Townsend Elementary in the special education room. I was the new special education teacher and she was my right hand “lady”. She was gentle, kind and so caring of our students and of me. She touched all of our hearts and had such a lasting influence on us all. Helen could reach even the most reluctant student with her compassionate persistence. Those kiddos truly loved her and had such a respect for her as she did for them. At the end of the school day, she always found that positive take-away. Helen was so proud of all you boys. Family was so very important to her. I feel very blessed that I had Helen touch my life. What a special lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
john matson says
With deepest sympathy to your entire family
Deb Wegeleben says
What a special Aunt! Love to all!
Debbie
Sue Hensley says
Brian and Laura, I never saw your Mom when she didn’t have a smile on her face. Such a lovely lady. Peace to you as you morn.
Margaret Erickson says
I am saddened to learn of Helen’s passing. She was the kindest, caring & gentle woman. Always doing, always giving. She will be very missed. She and Burt are together again. Together they will watch over their families. Just know that they will always be there beside you. Take care & God Bless.