Helen Johnson

While the sun was shining bright and beautifully, our beloved mother, Helen Johnson passed away in her sleep on October 9, 2023, at Aspen Meadows Nursing Home. She was 93 years young!

Helen was born in Jamestown, ND, on January 19, 1930. As a young girl, the family lived on the farm outside of Sikeston. Later she lived in Jamestown where she attended and graduated from Jamestown High School. She married and continued to live in Jamestown while working part-time at Trinity Hospital. While living there, she began her bowling career at Majestic Lanes. She bowled for many years with her 4 sisters, and they traveled to many bowling tournaments. She won honors for great scores and was famous for teaching youth bowling lessons.

In 1965, the family moved to Billings, MT and she went to work at Kampgrounds of America (KOA). She retired from KOA after 25 years. After retirement from KOA, she went to work part-time for Bright'n Beautiful which was very active in the Great American Cleanup!

She continued with her bowling while serving on many committees and as president of the Billings Women's Bowling Association. In 1983 she was the 1st woman to be inducted into their Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service and Superior Performance which she later shared with her daughter Darla. In 1992 she was honored again by BWBA as a Life Member and by the Montana Women's Bowling Association as Bowler of the Year. In 1998 she was honored nationally by WIBC with the Helen Baker Award and then in 1999, MWBA awarded her with Meritorious Service.

Mom loved her birds, working in her yard, and especially enjoyed camping and the mountains. Family was always important, and she encouraged all family to gather as often as possible.

She leaves behind one sister Judy (Jake deceased) and brother Ray (Shirly deceased); 3 children: Darla (Bill deceased), Keith (Vicki), Rhonda (Greg deceased); grandchildren: Michelle (Simon), Dylan (Late), and Kyle (Morgan). She had 6 great-grandchildren: Ethan Maddison, Brooks, Reece, Marlee, and Greyson; two stepchildren: Jeff (Brenda) and Julie (Bruce); 5 great step-grandchildren: Eric (Libby), Isabella, Michael, Paloma, and Sophia.

There are so many nieces and nephews who were all very fond of Aunt Helen, along with many wonderful friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph, and Victoria; her brothers Chet (Cedy), Ed (Isabelle), and Adam (LaVern); sisters May (Ray), Esther, and Dodee (Chris). She will be with them all once again!

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.