Missoula – Berniece Yvonne Helm, 92, of Missoula, passed away November 14, 2014. Berniece was born August 15, 1922 in Pacific City, Washington to Harry and Rosie Good. In 1931, during the Great Depression, she moved with her family to the Bitterroot Valley where they owned and operated the local dance hall. She attended school in Stevensville and was involved in many clubs and community activities. She graduated from Stevensville High School in 1942.
On August 23, 1944, she married Edward William Helm from Victor. They operated a dairy farm until 1955 when they moved into Stevensville. Ed and Berniece had four children and enjoyed weekend camping and fishing trips at Seeley and Swan Lakes. The family moved to Missoula in 1961.
Berniece began work at the Missoula City Clerk and Recorders Office in 1959, and was appointed City Clerk in 1965 where she continued until her retirement in 1977. Soon after, Ed and Berniece sold their home in Missoula and purchased 25 acres in Frenchtown where they built their dream home. Ed owned a long-haul truck and delivered goods from coast to coast, so Berniece earned her Commercial Driver License so she could help drive and keep him company on the road until his retirement. She enjoyed canning and freezing and sharing the vegetables she raised in her big garden. Family was very important to Berniece, she enjoyed having many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren living close by and welcomed those who traveled to spend time with her. Berniece and Ed celebrated 65 years together before Ed passed away in 2009.
She is survived by daughters, Pam Mecham of Rochester, Illinois, and Maryalys Poulson of Salt Lake City; son, Edward (Shorty) Helm of Missoula; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Ed; infant daughter, Penny; brother, Benjamin; and sister, Betty Rose.
A memorial service will be held for Berniece at the First Baptist Church in Stevensville (402 Church Street) on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Her ashes have been buried at the Victor Cemetery with her infant daughter, Penny.