Helen Dean Huntsman

Helen Dean Karren Huntsman, 82, of Shelley, passed away March 25, 2011 at her home.

She was born July 19, 1928, in Magrath, Alberta, Canada to Harold and Lillian Karren.  She grew up and attended school in Magrath and Iron Springs, Canada until the 11

th

grade.

At the age of 18 she moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada to work as a dental assistant for her brother-in- law, Elmo Fletcher.  She later moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where she worked as a dental assistant for Marcus Funk.  It was there that she met her husband Boyd.  They were married April 8, 1953 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

In 1955, they opened Boyd’s AG Market on Main Street in Shelley.  She worked at his side for the first three years of business, while also raising a young family.

She was a charter member and President of the Shelley Study and Arts Club, a community service club.  They raised money for service projects to improve the community and produced the Miss Russet Pageant.

She was an active member of the LDS Church, serving in many callings including Primary and Relief Society President.

She enjoyed gardening, winning many awards for her beautiful yard.  She was also a beautiful seamstress, sewing many of her children’s clothes.

She and her husband enjoyed many activities with their family including fishing, boating, golfing and traveling. After her husband’s retirement they enjoyed their travels and golfing trips to Arizona and California in the winter and Star Valley, Wyoming, in the summer.

She is survived by her five children, Scott (Alice) Huntsman, Karren (Jeff) Perry, Betty Ann (Kent) Bitter, Patricia Huntsman, and Michael (Stephanie) Huntsman; 17 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and sisters, Lillian and NuRae.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson, Ryan, sisters LaRue, Joanne and brothers, Fred and Clinton.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, at the Shelley South Stake Center, 675 S. Milton Street with Bishop Jeff Cox officiating.  The family will visit with friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, March, 28, at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street in Shelley, and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.

At her time of death she was under the care of Solace Hospice.  Thank you Elliot and Traci for your loving care of Grandma  this past month making it possible for her to pass away in her home.