Helen Dean

Mass of Christian Burial for Helen K. Dean, 90, of Ekalaka, MT will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2009 in the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka with the Reverend Father Thomas Tobin as celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow in the family lot in the Beaver Lodge Cemetery at Ekalaka. Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7th, at Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka, with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Helen Katherine Dean was born on April 28, 1919, in Ekalaka, Mt. Her parents were Guy W. Stitser and Mary Katherine (Gamroth) Stitser. Helen grew up in Ekalaka, graduating from Carter County High School in 1938. On August 26, 1939, Helen married Rankin George Dean, and began their 63 years of marriage in the Ekalaka community. The early part of Helen’s nursing career began when her three children were young, working at Dahl Memorial Hospital as a Nurse’s Aide. She was fortunate to be under the tutelage of Dr. Richard Musser, who worked endlessly training the nursing staff. She studied for, and passed the Licensed Practical Nurse exam in 1967. Helen worked in the hospital and clinic until her retirement at the age of 70; then continued as a home health care nurse for two more years. Needlework, cooking, gardening and family were her passions. She was always available to her children and grandchildren for care, support, and love. As quoted by one of her grandchildren, “Grandma had recipes in her head, the word of God in her heart, and so much fire in her spirit. I think that this is the secret to living for 90 years”. Helen passed away on May 5, 2009, at Dahl Memorial Healthcare in Ekalaka. Helen is survived by two children; Timothy (Mary) of Bozeman, MT, Janette (David) Rutledge, of Billings, MT; a sister, Laura Gee of Trout Creek, MT; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Rankin, a daughter Norma Cridland, a great-granddaughter, Amber Brennan, her brother Harold Stitser, and a sister, Gladys Thompson. Arrangements are under the care of Stevenson Funeral Home of Ekalaka, MT.


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Burial Date: May 8, 2009
Funeral Home Ekalaka, MT