Helen L. Gasser

Helen Lucile Lyon Gasser, 88, of Fromberg, went quietly in her sleep on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at Beartooth Hospital in Red Lodge, Mont.

Helen was born on June 29, 1920, in Waverly, Iowa, a daughter of Aubrey and Velma Lyon. She was raised in the Tetons in Jenny Lake where her parents operated a dude concession. Her father once possessed and later donated the Colter Stone, which is now located in the Driggs, Idaho, Museum.

On September 17, 1936, she married Cloy L. Gasser. They lived on the Flying D Ranch in the Gallatin Canyon until 1947 when they moved to Lima, Mont., where her husband worked for Roland and Averill Harriman at their Railroad Ranch. In 1973, Helen and Cloy retired to Fromberg. Mr. Gasser died in 1994.

Helen was very active in the LDS church. She enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, picnics and her flower and vegetable gardens. She was a prolific weaver, carding her own wool and dyeing and spinning her own yarn.

Survivors include her sons, Russel L. (Rete) Gasser of Chandler, Ariz., and Loyd L. (Patty) Gasser of Hamer; daughter-in-law, Linda Gasser of Belfry, Mont.; sister, Virginia A. Brookbush of Seattle, Wash.; eight grandchildren, Rocky Gasser, Sandy (Jerry) Sticka, Kenda (Lonnie) Siebenaler, Heidi (Chris) Stevens, Chip Gasser, Chad (Shannon) Gasser, Penny Jo (Jacob) Speelmon and Rindi (Chad) Harvey; 19 great-grandchildren, Jerady (Amy) Sticka, Jesse (Dani) Sticka, Jacob (Ashle') Sticka, Abra Gasser, Tanner Rowland, Kiley and Keaton Siebenaler, Christopher (Cara) Stevens, Chelsey, Charlie, Kenadie and Weston Stevens, Skyler and Samantha Peterson, Colter Gasser, Keylee Harvey and Sundee Jo, Sadey Lyn and Presley Ann Speelmon; four great-great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Payton and Jerry Lynn Sticka, Ashby Gasser and twin girls expected in January. In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by three brothers, Dick, Victor and Aubrey Lyon Jr.; sister, Lillian L. Lyon; son, Kenneth L. Gasser; and great-granddaughter, Hannah Gasser.

Visitation was from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at the Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel in Red Lodge. A visitation is at 11 a.m. today, Nov. 29, 2008, at the Valley Mortuary, 786 Valley Centre Drive in Driggs. Burial services will be today, Nov. 29, 2008, in the Cache Clawson Cemetery in Tetonia, Idaho. A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Belfry, Mont. Memorial donations may be given to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel of Red Lodge and the Valley Mortuary of Driggs.

Family Tribute