Obituary - Helen Simpson Ross

Helen Simpson Ross was born March 31, 1921, at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

She was one of three children born to Helen Fredrica Richter and Wilfred Walter VanBlaricom. Helen was baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic faith. She received her formal education at Keromeos, British Columbia. and graduated from high school in 1939.

Helen enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. She met a fellow-serviceman, George Walter Ross, and they were married on the Richter Estate near Keromeos on Nov. 9, 1944. The couple lived in British Columbia for a short time before moving to Washington state. Additional job opportunities brought them to Chinook, Montana, and eventually to Havre in 1953. Helen devoted her life to being a homemaker and the loving mother of eight children.

The Rosses became naturalized U.S. citizens in 1957. George retired after a 24-year career with the railroad in 1980. They made their home in Havre during their retirement years. The couple were married 63 years when George died on Oct. 31, 2007. Helen was fortunate to enjoy good health and live independently in their Havre home from that time on. She was recently admitted to the Northern Montana Hospital in Havre, where she died peacefully on the evening of Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. She was just one month shy of her 94th birthday.

In her younger days, Helen enjoyed gardening and canning the "fruits of her harvest." She always took great pride in preparing big meals and appreciating the "satisfied smiles" after the feast. Helen loved music and had been instructed in various forms of dance (ballet, etc.). In her quiet time at home she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading and crossword puzzles.

In her early years in Havre, Helen was an active member of St. Jude Thaddeus Church and the Altar Society. Because of her love of the traditional Latin Mass, she began attending church at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Great Falls.

On a personal note, Helen will be remembered as a "classy mom and grandma" - always kind and tender-hearted, yet very strong-willed. She loved visiting with family and friends, and enjoyed sharing stories about her past life. She also loved animals and cared for many pets over the years.

Last, but surely not least, Helen was extremely devoted to her faith and the Rosary. She was a strong believer in the "power of prayer." This is her legacy to her loving family.

Helen was preceded in death not only by her husband and parents, but also by a son, Richard Ross; her brother, Brian VanBlaricom; and her sister, Bernice Taylor.

She is survived by five sons, Doug and Becky Ross of Havre, Jeff Ross of Havre, Pierre and Lynn Ross of Delafield, Wisconsin, David Ross of Billings and Tony and Marita Ross of Rapid City, South Dakota; three daughters, Gail and Paul Tesarek of Coffee Creek, Elena and Dale Sudbrack of Saco, and Bernice Ross of Helena; 11 grandchildren, Michael, Steven, Joseph, Jamie, Jada, Beau, Candice, Tiffany, Christopher, Chelsea and Jacob; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Requiem Mass will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2200 Smelter Ave., Black Eagle. A short reception will follow at the church fellowship hall. Viewing will begin an hour prior to the Mass.

Graveside Services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Highland Cemetery in Havre. A reception will follow at the Eagles Club in Havre.

Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester, Montana.