Helen Ann Bibler, 72, died on the morning of December 16, 2016, in Harborview Hospital Seattle, Washington. Trauma suffered in a fire at her residence in Hamilton, Montana the day before was the cause of death.
Helen Ann was born on November 1, 1944 in Hamilton, Montana to Ronald and Pauline Bibler of Darby, MT. She was delivered by her grandfather, Dr. Herbert Hayward. Her parents and two older brothers, Douglas and Jet, preceded her in death. Helen Ann was an adopted member of the Blackfeet Nation. Her name translated to English as “She Strikes First.”
Helen Ann attended elementary school in Darby and high school at Loyola Sacred Heart Academy in Missoula and Sacred Heart Academy in Spokane. After graduating from the University of Montana she taught Language Arts in Geraldine, Big Fork and Kalispell for 15 years.
Prior to becoming executive director of the Ravalli County Museum, Helen Ann played leadership roles in the effort to preserve the Daly Mansion, Bitterroot Valley Public Television, the League of Women Voters and Local Government Study Commission. She retired from the Museum Director’s job in 2007. She was widely recognized as an advocate for local history, serving many terms as an officer of the Museum Association of Montana. Most recently, in August of 2016, she was honored for her role in establishing the Hamilton Farmers Market.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Parker, of Conner and Hamilton, her stepson, Eli Parker of Missoula, her soul sister, Mary Ann Cosgrove of Black Eagle, three Shih Tzu’s (Jasper, Jasmine, and Jackson Too Cute), three cats (Frankie, KT, Cali) four nephews, Ron Bibler of Great Falls, Montana, Jet Bibler of Missoula, Montana, Mark Bibler of Layton, Utah, Bruce Bibler of Stockett, and numerous great nephews and nieces.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Helen Ann’s life and contributions to the quality of life in the Bitter Root Valley will be held later this spring. Memorials in Helen Ann’s honor may be made to the Bitter Root Valley Historical Society, St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Montana Public Radio, Bitterroot Humane Association.
Sisters of the Holy Names says
We Sisters of the Holy Names lovingly pray for our deceased pupils, and their family and friends. May Helen’s life in God’s Presence bring you close to her each day.
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
Spokane, Washington
Diana Zimmerman says
The mold was broken the day that Helen was born. I felt fortunate in getting to know her and Jim through mutual friends some time back in our middle years. There was never anyone so generous or stimulating. She is sorely missed.
Medicine Woman Dr Scyntiya says
Had a special time with Helen in Guatemala.
It was her last hurrah!