By HDN Staff
Helen Ruth Twedt, 60, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at a Chester hospital of cancer.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rudyard. Burial of ashes will follow at the Rudyard Cemetery.
Helen was born on March 18, 1941 at Hugo, Okla., the only child of Opal Glen and Harry Neece. Her father was in the military and Helen moved a lot during her formative years. She received her elementary education at San Antonio, Texas, and obtained her secondary education at Stevensville, Newfoundland where she graduated from Harmon High School in 1958.
Helen moved to Spokane, Wash. and began working at the Bagdad Bowling Alley, a business owned by two Rudyard men, Robert Rigg and Buster Ness. Helen began dating a mutual Rudyard friend of theirs, Allen Twedt, who came to Spokane to help at the bowling center during the winter months. Helen and Allen were married on March 5, 1960 in Spokane.
The Twedts made their home in the Rudyard community where they farmed south of town. Helen enjoyed her life as a farm wife, homemaker and mother of two.
In the 1980s, Helen worked as a travel agent on the Hi-Line.
Helen and a friend, Donna Horel, began dealing in antiques and attended many antique shows throughout the upper northwestern states. She was an independent antique dealer since 1993.
The Twedts moved from the farm into Rudyard in 1988 and were active in community affairs.
Helen's health was excellent until two years ago, when she was diagnosed with cancer. The cancer went into remission following treatment, but her condition deteriorated these past few months.
After Helen came to Rudyard in 1960, she received her baptism and confirmation at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She was active in W.E.L.C.A. and served as a Sunday school teacher for many years. Helen was also a charter member of the Rudyard Hobble Club, which she referred to as the "Classy Seven Club," after its membership declined.
A member of the Farmer's Union, Helen helped organize the annual convention for several years and assisted at the summer youth camps. Her hobbies were many, including shopping at sales, bowling, camping and traveling. In her quiet time at home she liked to read and watch television.
Helen collected many things, but was especially fond of fiesta dishware, Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne memorabilia, Beanie babies, ladies' handkerchiefs and assorted antiques.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents.
Helen is survived by her husband of Rudyard; son, Ken Twedt and wife, Chris of Seeley Lake and Rudyard; daughter, Deb Schmidt and husband, Mike of Warren, Minn.; and five grandchildren.
Memorials will be given to the Hi-Line Health Foundation in Chester, the "Paws Up" Humane Society in Seeley Lake, or donor's choice.
Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester.
