Helen Irene (Lane) Baumann

Helen Lane Baumann, 97, of Conrad, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on September 23, 2022. Heaven has gained a small but mighty and a bit sassy angel.

Helen was born on August 4, 1925, to Albert and Rhoda Lane in Fowler, Montana. She attended school in Conrad. After high school she married Mylen Humble and to that union she had twin sons, Larry and Gary and daughter, Vicki. They divorced in 1950. On November 7, 1955, she married Jack Baumann, together they had a daughter, Toni. They were married until Jack's passing in 1996.

Hard work and Helen were no strangers, she worked many jobs from the age of 15 until she was 90. Sometimes working two and three jobs at a time. Helen and Jack owned and operated the Texaco stations in Conrad for about 20 years. Being the bookkeeper for their own business led her to her last and favorite job, working for Ron and Bev Widhalm at Conrad Motor and Tire. Helen worked for Conrad Motor and Tire for 48 years and retired at age 90. Retirement wasn't something she recommended to anyone.

Helen loved bowling and had great memories of her bowling league days and her bowling girls. She was extremely proud of her pins, patches, and trophies. Many of her bowling pals have shared stories over the years of her funny antics, wit and famous one liners. Shopping was another of her passions, if it was blue or advertised as "new" it was probably going home with her. A trip to Great Falls wasn't successful unless she purchased a new piece of clothing. Most people remember her for being well dressed and meticulous about her appearance. So much so, that she was determined to go out with the same color of hair she came in with, and thanks to Brenda at the House of Charles, she did. After Jack passed away, she enjoyed trips to the Oregon coast with her daughter, Vicki, she loved the beach, collecting seashells and shopping for more blue treasures. Helen enjoyed a good scary book or suspense movie that would leave everyone needing a nightlight.

Helen was small in stature but not in personality. She was a force to be reckoned with if she had her mind made up. She had an opinion on just about everything and didn't mind sharing it, even if she wasn’t asked. Her sense of humor, like her language could be colorful and although it could be irreverent, the sparkle in her eyes would let you know she was teasing. If you were her friend, you could count on her to be loyal at all times.

More than anything else in the world Helen loved her family. She was a wonderful mom and a fierce mama bear if anyone messed with her kids. She loved and was loved and will be greatly missed.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Larry and Gary; her sister and brother-in-law, Millie and Ralph Nierenberg, Shelby MT; brothers, Ivan Lane, Conrad, MT and Don Lane, Cut Bank, MT; husband, Jack Baumann; and all his siblings and spouses.

Helen is survived by her daughters and families, Vicki and Neil Tempel of Eureka MT, Toni and Patrick Montalban of Cut Bank, MT; grandchildren, Tim and Susan Tempel of Eureka, MT, Tawnya Brown of Spokane WA, Joseph and Keelie Montalban of Missoula, MT, Tori Montalban and Justin Meier of Missoula, MT; great grandchildren, Kaden Tempel of Spokane, WA, Trenten Tempel of White Oaks, TX, Danika Schiele of Whitefish, MT, Lacey Schiele of Missoula, MT, Maida Montalban, Jet Meier, and Capri Meier all of Missoula, MT; great great grandchildren, Zoe Schiele of Missoula, MT and Cole Incoronato of Whitefish, MT; many nieces and nephews; and her special extended family, Ron and Bev Widhalm of Conrad, MT.

A celebration of Helen's life will be Saturday, April 29, at the Conrad Moose Lodge from 11:00am to 1:00pm.