Helen Johnson

Helen Johnson passed Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Billings, Montana, from complications of a broken hip.

Helen was born February 12, 1944 to Mary Ann and Wayne C. Irion at Ranch Creek in Powder River County. She would later tell people, "I was born in a log cabin on Abraham Lincoln's Birthday on top of a dinosaur."

She went to many schools in small towns around central Montana as her dad worked in road construction. Her high school years were spent in Miles City, and she was a member of the class of 1962.

Helen met LeRoy V. Johnson in 1961 and they were married in 1962. Three children were born to this union, sons Chris and Michael and daughter Lisa. In 1966 the family of 5 moved to Forsyth. She was a housewife for several years raising her children, taking them for walks in nature. These walking explorations included exploring the Dam, F hill, Castle Butte and Porcupine Lookout.

Later Helen joined the workforce. Jobs she tackled included working at the Speedway Diner and custodial jobs at the Post Office and Welfare Office.

Helen really enjoyed traveling and experienced many adventures in New Mexico, Texas, and Okinawa, Japan to see her grandchildren. She also visited Pennsylvania, California and Hawaii.

Helen truly enjoyed life and had many activities that filled her life with purpose and joy. She liked gardening, family get togethers, camping, arrowhead hunting, taking photos, scenic drives and hiking. Her favorite camping spot was Woodbine Campground on the Stillwater. She also made many trips to Glendive to spend time with her RAILS family.

Helen was an avid and fast reader, often reading an entire book in one afternoon. Her artistic talents were many. These included drawing, painting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, stitching and stainless glass making. Many family members have numerous ornaments that were made by Aunt Helen. Above all Helen found joy in her pets, including Sloe Gin, Bridget, Charley, Joker, Nuisance, and Little one.

Around 2013 Helen was diagnosed with Dementia. Her children moved her to Billings so that they could help her navigate this terrible disease. During this time her outings continued with camping, exploring the Pryors and Riverfront Park.

Helen is survived by her three children, siblings Tim and Debbie, Karen and Bob, Barb and Ron, Mary and Grant, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mom and dad, brother Clark Irion and ex-husband LeRoy.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Helen's name to the Forsyth Public Library or an Animal Shelter of your choice.

A Celebration of Life with be held on Thursday, July 18 at 1:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana. A burial will be held later that day at 4:00 pm at Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, Montana.