Obituary - Helen Irene (Skillman) Milam

Helen Irene (Skillman) Milam, 84, of Livingston, Montana, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 12, 2015. She passed away peacefully with her daughter and son-in-law by her side in Havre, Montana.

Helen was born in 1930, in Livingston. She was the second of four children born to Thomas and Esther Skillman. Helen spent her early years on Mission Creek where she developed a lifelong love for family and the outdoors. She attended school at Beaver Creek, Gordon, Tom Miner and Lincoln schools in Park County.

She was never known to pass up a fishing trip, a horseback ride, or an afternoon hike. Helen spent the majority of her life in Park County, and it was there that she met her husband, Harold Claude "Dud" Milam. They were married in 1948 and shared three children. They moved to Washington state but later returned to Livingston in 1972.

For most of her life, Helen worked in the home, where she will be fondly remembered for her timely home-cooked meals, extensive baking, and extraordinary gardening and canning. Helen was a very talented seamstress, and she often took on sewing projects for friends and family. In 1988 she went to work for the Fabric Corner and Dana Design. In December 1994, she began working for the fabric department in Ben Franklin. She retired from there in 2005, but many still remember her warm greeting and vast knowledge about sewing and crafts.

Helen is survived by her three children, Carol (Doug) Komrosky of Havre, Ronald (Kathy) Milam of Missoula, Montana, and Charlie Milam of Washington. She has five grandchildren, Donald Milam, Christopher Milam, Erika (Chad) Wertz, Jesika Blatter and Kevin Milam. She also has five great-grandchildren, Laine, Zane and Bristol Wertz, and Richard and Christopher Milam.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold "Dud" Milam; and her sisters, Ruth and Joan.

Helen was a mother, grandmother and friend. She had a deep passion for her home and friends in Park County. She enjoyed volunteering at the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, VFW and Park County Pioneer Society. She enjoyed listening to country musicians and attending a dance whenever she was able.

A service is scheduled for the spring of 2015 at the Bruffey Cemetery on Mission Creek. She will be buried next to her sister. If so desired, memorials may be sent to Park County Pioneer Society, P.O. Box 297, Livingston, MT 59047.

Her care was entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Please visit her online memorial page at http://www.hollandbonine.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Northern Montana Hospital for their loving care.