Helen D. Flesch

Helen D. Flesch, 93, passed away August 15, 2018 at Peace Hospice in Great Falls. She was surrounded by a loving family, friends & new babies. Helen was a pillar of grace & politeness, of caring and good works. She blanketed her family with afghans from her constant crocheting, and enjoyed playing games & working puzzles. She was charmed by the little things in life, babies, flowers and animals.
Helen was the only child of Treva & William Ovens, born July 18, 1925 in Walla Walla, WA. She spent many summers with her cousins on the lake in Minnesota. On occasion, she would sing for weddings & events while her mother accompanied her on the piano. She graduated from Shelby High School in 1943 and worked at Larson’s Clothing Co. until marrying Lester John Flesch on February 21, 1944. Their favorite past times included dancing, roller skating at Mitchell Roller Rink down on the river and taking trips to Glacier National Park.

Helen and Lester made their home on the family farm North of Shelby where they raised three girls and a boy with an equal balance of respect, religion and the expectation that they do the right thing. Helen loved to collect recipes and cook, and she always made large meals for the family and farm crew. She then spent time caring for her grandchildren. She sang for St. Williams Catholic Church Choir and other singing groups, and she enjoyed flowers and gardening. She loved to travel and spend time with her family. In 1981, Helen and Lester moved to Shelby, to a home with a large yard that held many family gatherings, including her 90th Birthday Party in 2015 when everyone came to celebrate.

Helen is the last of her generation, including Lester, his seven sisters and their spouses. She is survived by her four children, Janet (husband Larry, children Niko, Mark, Cathy) of Scituate, MA, Linda Wiebe (husband Richard, children Richelle, John, Chad, Carlin) of Shelby, John (wife Jean, children Jeremy, Jeff, Joe) of Shelby and Mary Ann (husband Tim, children Mitch, Michelle, Bryan, Shawn) of Belgrade, MT, and 22 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

In lieu of flowers, send memorials to: Sagebrush Food Pantry, Prairie Oasis Animal Shelter, St Williams Catholic Church Christmas Family Fund or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 19, from 5 to 7PM at Whitted Funeral Chapel, Shelby with a vigil service following at the funeral home at 7PM. Funeral mass will be held Monday, August 20, 10:30 AM at St. Williams Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.