Helen Avens

Helen Voeller Avens, 86, of Billings, Montana died Friday evening January 6, 2012 at Vintage Suites where Helen had been a resident since March 2011. Helen was born on November 26, 1925 on the family farmstead in the Barton-Tunbridge area of Pierce County, North Dakota, the daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Keller) Voeller. She was reared in Rugby, North Dakota where she attended elementary and secondary schools graduating from Rugby High School. Helen worked in a cook car on the family farm and at a beauty salon before marrying Claude 'Babe' Avens in Billings on June 30, 1946. They lived in Billings for their entire married lives of 58 1/2 years. Helen and Claude raised three daughters: Claudia (Roger) Loecker of Huron, South Dakota; Vida (Jim) Melstad of Helena, Montana; and Cyndy (Jeff) Steiner of Billings. Helen was involved in her children's lives serving as a Girl Scout leader and volunteering in her daughters' schools. She enjoyed her years of involvement with the VFW - Post 6774 serving as Chaplain. Helen had a great passion for raising flowers and a garden in her backyard. She was a master pie maker and queen of desserts, serving sweets and coffee to the several guests who visited their home on a daily basis. The neighbors would often jokingly inquire whether Helen and Babe had their 'vacancy' or 'no vacancy' sign displayed for visitors. Helen loved her grandchildren and cherished the time she spent with them. Christmas was always a special occasion by serving their favorite German and Norwegian treats. She took great pleasure in becoming the pit stop for their many friends, welcoming each with open arms and open cupboards; ready to provide hospitality and a laugh. Besides her three daughters and their spouses, Helen is survived by four grandchildren: Kristen (Jason) Feickert of Aberdeen, South Dakota; Stuart Loecker of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Malyssa (Matt) Meeker and Amanda Steiner of Billings; two great-grandchildren: Ezra and Sophia Feickert; three sisters-in-law: Pat Mears of Rugby, North Dakota; Elsie Avens and Luella Avens of Billings. She was preceded in death by her husband Babe; parents Jacob and Catherine Voeller; brothers Mike, Frank, Anton, Martin, Carl, Joe, Jack, Bennie, Johnnie, Vincent; sisters Margaret Keller, Elizabeth Brossart, Clara Held, Lena Volk, Frances Lacher, and Mary Karhoff. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to St. Pius X Church or to the charity of one's choice. On behalf of our family we wish to thank all of you for your friendship and concern throughout our parents' memorable years together. Service: A Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2012 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in Calgary Columbarium.