Obituary - Helen Denny Bacon "Squasis"

Helen Denny Bacon "Squasis" 75, our aunt, grandmother, friend and relative, joined her father, Sam, and mother, Ann (Swinging Girl Sandy) Denny, in the Creator's gardens on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at Missouri River Manor in Great Falls.

Helen was born on May 28, 1940 in Fort Belknap, Montana. She was raised in the Parker School area of Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. She was a fluent Cree speaker, and Cree was her primary language at home and in public.

Helen was raised in the traditional way. As a young girl, she danced in her buckskin dress, which is on display at the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls. Helen, her mother, Ann, and sister Jeanette Ann Denny, were well known for their hide tanning. In her younger years, Helen enjoyed powwows, hand games and the traditional way of life.

Helen met her partner in life Raymond Bacon and resided in Great Falls for many years. They opened their door often to friends and relatives and at times just to share a friendly visit. They were glad to have relatives stop by when they were in Great Falls. Helen and Raymond adopted and raised Verla Shirley. A few years after welcoming Verla to their family, they welcomed newborn Starr Oxford into their hearts and their home as well.

Helen enjoyed her bingo for many, many years. She cherished the times her brother/nephew, Robert and wife Louise Stump, would come to Great Falls, getting to play bingo to no end at the Sailboat. Helen enjoyed playing poker machines, reading the Globe, Enquirer, Star and True Confession magazines.

She was one to freely express her love for her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and many relatives. In her final months, she would tell them often "I love you all." She was truly kind-hearted and all who went to visit her would leave knowing her words were sincere.

Helen joins her father, Sam, and mother, Ann (Swinging Girl Sandy), Denny; brothers, Louie Denny, Richard Denny, Victor Denny and Lawrence Small; and sisters, Mamie Denny Stump and Jeanette Ann Denny Stump. She will once again be able to hug her late nieces, Linda Ann and Wilburta Denny, and her late grandsons, Lloyd Lee Denny and Cody Trottier.

Helen is survived by immediate family brother/nephew, Robert (Louise) Stump; nephews, Darrell "Juggie" (Irene) Denny, Bruce (Wanda) Denny, Alvin (Elaine) Denny, Ernest (Billie) Denny, Richard "Boy" Denny and Garren Denny; nieces, Iris Buffalo and Ona (Robert Belcourt) Denny, June (Ray Gerhig) Denny, Ann Denny, Betty Jo Denny Spotted Horse, Debbie and Christine Denny, Annette Stump, Valarie "Penny" Denny and Sandy Coonfare; granddaughter, Crystal Denny; adopted daughters, Verla Shirley, Starr Oxford and Rose Doney. Helen remained close to nephews, Bruce and Dean; and niece, Mona Eckblad. Special grandchildren included Robert (Linda) Stump Jr., Heather, Bobby and Chancey Bradford, Wyoma (Billy) Denny and Dannette and Taylor Spotted Horse. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Peggy "Myo" Myers and Esther Spotted Wolf; and close friend, Cecelia Walking Child.

Helen, for the last few years, was the only remaining grandmother on the Denny side to many, including grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren too numerous to mention individually. She was the youngest and last remaining child of the Sam Denny family. Her relatives included the St. Marks, Billy, Parker, Mitchell, Standing Rock and Lodgepole families. If we left anyone out, it wasn't meant intentionally. She left her precious words "I love you" to each and every one whose lives she touched.

All of your calls, hugs, handshakes, contributions and prayers for our aunt, grandmother, friend and relative are greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank Missouri River Manor staff and nurse, Theresa Kelly, Jodi and Sarah and the third and fourth  wing for their compassion and care for our aunt Helen. "Aho."

Wake services began at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, and continued until her traditional funeral service at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, all at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rocky Boy.  

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements  

Please visit Helen's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.