Helen V. Olsen Blackwell

Helen V. Olsen Blackwell died in Ritzville on Aug. 16.

She was born in Everett on July 11, 1936, to Donald and Ann Olsen, where she lived and went to school until her parents purchased Florence Hotel in Hot Springs, Montana.

She met John Bailey in Montana and married him in 1952. They had four children over their 29-year marriage. They moved to Sprague in 1965 where they raised their children.

Helen worked as a retail clerk where she met and visited with many people passing through Sprague.

John preceded her in death in 1981.

She married Richard Blackwell in 1988. Helen loved her family and was very proud of all of them. She loved her animals, her garden and flowers.

She was an avid reader with the gift of gab with just about anyone anytime. She had a very dry sense of humor, and a kind and loving heart.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands: John Bailey and Richard Blackwell; her son Douglas Bailey (Lynn), sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Fred Rigg and “Dear Sweet Uncle Pete.”

She is survived by her children: Patricia (John) Rohrer, Theresa (Jim) Abney, and Danny Bailey; 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Helen also leaves behind a beloved brother and sister-in-law, Phillip and Adelyn Funk.

Helen called Sprague her home for 52 years. She had her cherished church family at St. John Lutheran Church and her long time best friend Rosemary (Rosie, Rocky) Hensen.

She will be missed by many old friends in Sprague and new friends in Ritzville. God speed.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Sprague. Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.