Helen Schmitt, 99, of Elk Mountain, WY died Friday, May 30, 2014 at Deseret Health and Rehab in Saratoga, WY. She was born March 30, 1915 in Dickenson, North Dakota along with her twin sister, Elizabeth to George and Margaret (Joyce) Hamilton. Her family homesteaded at Fayette, N.D., and eventually moved to Olwein, Iowa. Her mother died in 1918 from the flu.
Her father moved his family of five girls and one boy to St. Louis, Mo. The children were put into an orphanage until George remarried, and moved to Summerfield, Ill. Helen lived there until she married Lester Schmitt.
They then moved to Belleville, Ill., where Lester owned and operated a Conoco filling station and garage.
Helen had three children. She lived at the same residence in Illinois working in a garment factory for 35 years. She moved to Elk Mountain in 1989 to be close to Sally and Bob.
She continued to enjoy her log cabin until she was 96 years old. She then lived with Sally and Bob until she had to move to the Saratoga Rehab Center in 2012.
She also enjoyed her antique cook stove, sewing, quilting, and making beautiful stain glass and basket making.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Lester, and her son, Donald.
She is survived by her son, David Schmitt and his wife, Carol of Troy, IL; her daughter, Sally O'Connor and her husband, Bob of Elk Mountain, WY; her eight grandchildren, Joy, Terry and his wife, Pam Schmitt, Mike and his wife Kim O'Connor, Maria and her husband, Brian Foster, Debbie O'Connor, Brian and his wife, Melinda O'Connor, David Lee and Mark Schmitt; her 12 great grandchildren; and her 10 great-great grandchildren.
Helen was renown in her circle of friends in Illinois for her beautiful ball room dancing. Her wit, wisdom and zest for life touched and endeared all who knew and loved her.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Elk Mountain Community Church in Elk Mountain with Fr. August Koene, officiating. Burial will follow at the Elk Mountain Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to St. John's UCC of Fairview Heights, Illinois, 10207 Lincoln Trail and/or to the Elk Mountain Community Church in Helen's name.
Services are under the direction of Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook go to http://www.montgomerystryker.com.
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