Helen Mouat

Helen Mouat of Billings, formerly of Hysham, passed away at the Billings Clinic in Billings, MT on August 4th 2010 at the age of 81.

Helen was born June 14th 1929 the daughter of Hazel and Gene McKeever in Forsyth, MT. She joined two older brothers, and in the next 10 years, 10 more babies were welcomed into the family. Helen became “Mama’s helper” at a very young age. Her father gave each of the children a special nickname. Helen was fondly known as “Bodie”. She graduated from Forsyth High School in 1948 and at age 20, wed Donald Mouat of Pease Bottom. They had four children, Rick Mouat, Steve Mouat, Lana Lynch and Mitchell Mouat. She and Donald ran the family farm for 35 years in Myers, MT.  In 1973, after her family was raised, she began working at Hysham school as secretary, or the “go to gal” by co-workers. In 1984, she relocated into Hysham, MT after divorcing Donald to start a new life and kept her job until retirement in 2001.

Helen moved to Billings, MT in 2001, and maintained residence at a condo on the west end. During that time, she shared many happy days with the new friends at her complex, especially “happy hour.” The move allowed her to be closer to some of her family located in Billings.  She had a fond love for gardening, scrapbooking and landscaping. Helen also loved crossword and jigsaw puzzles.  She had a special place in her heart for children, which she learned at a very young age, as she cared for her younger siblings. This love of babies was passed on to her family for generations.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Dan, Tom & Ray. She is survived by her loving children Rick (Karen), Katy, TX; Steve (Becky), Ivory Coast, Africa; Lana (Mike) Lynch, Billings, MT; & Mitch, Avondale, AZ.  Helen had love for children especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sean (Ann) Lynch, Billings, MT; Shane (Lacey) Lynch & their children Brendan & Abigail, Lexington, VA; Torie (Ryan) Poser & their son Carter, Lewistown, MT; Clinton & his son John, Peoria, AZ; Magdalanea (Todd) Stanley & their children Tully and Peyton, Woodford, VA; Jessie & Mitchell Mouat, Avondale, AZ; Brendan (Jaylene) & their children, Raeanne, Jade Rose, & Jacob, Rothchild, WI; Tarra (Willie) Thomas & their daughter Emma, Billings, MT & Meggan Lueck & her children, Maddison & Langston, Billings, MT. She is also survived by her brothers, Don McKeever, Helena, MT; Jack McKeever, Red Lake Falls, MN; & Jim McKeever, Billings, MT & sisters, Jean Neyrinck. Billings, MT; Peggy Hamlin, Eugene, OR; Pat Miller, Sanders, MT; Kay Womack, Spring, TX; Carol McKeever Hawes, Kalispell, MT; & Vonnie Miller, Beaverton, OR & many nieces & nephews.

Cremation has taken place. Per Helen’s request, she wanted her Billings friends to have an opportunity to gather. The family will be receiving friends in Billings on Thursday, from 6-8 p.m., at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 6, 2010 at the Hysham High School in Hysham, MT. Inurnment will take place at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park the following day.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Treasure County 89’ers Museum, P.O. Box 489, Hysham, MT 59038. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.michelottisawyers.com. Print this post