Helen Ann Ambrose Hansen, wearing her 1953 Registered Nurse uniform and cape, rode home on the strong southeast Idaho wind April 16, 2018. Helen was born June 28, 1931, in Jerome, Idaho to Cleo and Vera Ambrose. She grew up on their farm under the watchful eye of many aunts and uncles.
Helen, and her brother Dennis, played with a zillion cousins, many of whom she kept in touch with throughout the years. She graduated from Idaho State University in 1953 and married Lynn Edward Hansen (after a blind date! ) of Aberdeen that fall.
Helen greatly enjoyed nursing and the many years she worked at Harms Memorial Hospital. She helped deliver babies, wiped tears and held hands with area friends who came through the door. Alongside her husband Lynn, they farmed together for over 50 years on the corner in Aberdeen.
Lynn discovered quickly her medical knowledge came in handy with sick cattle. Together they raised three kids, cows, assorted dogs, cats and horses. Helen was attacked with horse love fever at an early age and enjoyed all aspects of horse riding.
She even kept a photo album with pictures of all the horses she’d ever had! She sewed her kids’ clothes as they grew and was active in the 4-H program. Much to the dismay of her kids, Helen kept a beautifully clean and organized home, yard and garden.
Besides her family, Helen’s lifelong friends could be found around the bi-monthly bridge club tables. Her bridge club has been dealing out the cards for 50 years. Together they hammered out parenting, farming, health woes, and shared many joys and sadness.
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and later the Methodist Church in Aberdeen. Helen was a member and past president of the long- standing Women’s Club. She was especially pleased with the establishment of the Women’s Club park area in Aberdeen.
She served as chair for local Red Cross blood drives as well as the election board. She loved to travel and learn new things. She was creative and walked her own path with spirit.
Preceding Helen in death is her husband Lynn and son, Joel Edward. She is survived by her daughters, Janice (John) Mount of Payette, Idaho, Cheryl (Bill) Fritz of Sandpoint, Idaho, and her brother, Dennis Ambrose of San Marcos, California. She was entertained and well loved by grandchildren: Susan, Kathryn, Andy and Sara Mount and Rebecca, Lauren, Joe, Mike and Ed Fritz.
Helen was there to welcome 6 great-grands to the family including the youngest just 2 months before her passing. It is with grateful hearts Janie and Cheryl thank the Heritage Hospice team which made it possible for the granting of their mom’s last wish; to die at home, in her bed with the old fat cat hogging the blankets. In lieu of flowers, Helen asked donations to be made to the Idaho Youth Ranch.
A graveside memorial will be Thursday, April 26th at 11 a.m. at the Aberdeen cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www. davisrosemortuary.com.
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