Helen Chrest

1948 - 2025

Helen Chrest

May 30, 1948 - August 19, 2025

Helen (Colter) Chrest was born on May 30, 1948, to Jim and Dorothy Colter, in Glendive, Mont. She was raised on the family farm near Bloomfield and attended rural schools until the family moved to Richey in 1960 when Dorothy began teaching at RHS.

Helen may have been shy at first in her new school but that did not last long. She soon made friends; a talent she had her entire life. She was involved in all extracurricular activities in high school, plus adventures outside of school hours, many involving her brother and his shenanigans. After graduating from RHS in 1966, she attended Eastern Montana College (now MSU-B) graduating with a degree in education. Helen got her masters degree in education in 1981 from the University of Montana.

Helen's teaching career began in Cowley, Wyo., in 1970. The next year she moved to Helena, Mont., where she got a job teaching at Capital High School and to be closer to Ken Chrest, whom she married in 1973. She later moved over to Helena High School. Helen taught physical education using innovative ideas to encourage participation by all students no matter their athletic ability. She was involved at the leadership level of the state, district and national Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (HPERD) organization and recognized for her contributions with the Montana Teacher of the Year, the Northwest District Teacher of the Year and Honor Award recipient at the national level.

After retiring, Helen and Ken began wintering in Arizona where Helen found a passion for golf. She spent many hours on the links developing her game but also making many friends, which meant the world to her. Helen, the original Silver Fox, played and worked at the Fox Ridge Golf Course during the months in Montana, sharing her knowledge and passion. Helen learned golf to keep her body active and bridge to keep her mind active. She continued playing both until a few months before her passing.

A few years after her divorce, Helen moved to Glendive and was able to spend more time with her sister, Carol, before her passing in 2022. In the fall of 2024, Helen chose to become a full time Arizona resident but returned to Montana in late spring of this year for a family reunion, a graduation and to spend time with family and close friend, Teddi. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in June resulted in a return to Arizona for treatment, hoping for a little more time. Helen passed away at her home in Arizona on August 19.

Helen was unforgettable with her stylish dress, her laugh and her ability to visit with everyone she met. Medical staff, salesclerks, bank staff and friends of nieces and nephews all knew Helen and remembered her. She was thrilled to hear of her nieces' and nephews' accomplishments and supported them as much as she could. Every dog was special to Helen especially labs and cockers. She couldn't walk by a dog without giving them love and treats.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Carol Metzger. She is survived by her brother, Bill (Cyndy) Colter; sister, Patti (Bill) Raisl; and uncle, Del Schmelzer. She will be greatly missed by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Our family is richer with memories and love because of Helen.

Memorials to honor Helen are suggested to the Glendive Community Cancer Fund, PO Box 1144, Glendive, MT 59330 or Seeds of Hope, 702 East Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, AZ 85122. Both organizations meant a lot to Helen.

Helen's life will be celebrated in the communities that meant the most to her, at the Glendive Alliance Church, Glendive, Mont., at 10 a.m., on September 27; at the Fox Ridge Golf Course Clubhouse, Helena, Mont., at 1 p.m., on October 2; and at the Fairways Recreational Center, Casa Grande, Ariz., at 2 p.m., on November 9.

Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements in Glendive. Remembrances and condolences can be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.