Marilyn Delores Helle

Marilyn Delores Helle passed away on March 20, 2024, in Eagle, Idaho at her home surrounded by her family. Marilyn was a devoted and dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and treasured friend.
Marilyn’s life story began in Ola, Idaho where she was born at home, delivered by her Grandpa Cooper, to Hilma and Verlin Matthews on December 9, 1935. Marilyn’s Mother re-married when Marilyn was very young, and she was raised with her siblings Verla, Jeanne, Karen, and little brother Dale by their parents Hilma and Elmer Bowman.
Growing up in Emmett, Marilyn was involved in many school and community activities. She became an accomplished french horn player, which was her talent in the Miss Emmett Pageant, which she won in 1954 and 1955. Marilyn also worked at The President (a local cafe) whose owner Marie Villaneuva became her mentor and lifelong friend.
Marilyn received her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and English from the University of Idaho, where she met the love of her life, Jack Helle, whom she was married to for 59 years until his passing in 2018.
Marilyn and Jack moved to Juneau, Alaska in 1960, driving the Alcan Highway from Idaho in a 1955 Chevy while Marilyn was 8 months pregnant, it was quite an adventure for the young couple. They made Juneau their home for 57 years where they raised their two daughters Jean and Joanna. Marilyn was a caring, kind, and incredible wife and mother who was loved by all who knew her.
Before moving to Alaska, Marilyn taught Home Economics and English at a local school in Lewiston, Idaho. In Juneau, she was a member of the first sales team at the opening of the Nugget Department Store, she also worked for the State of Alaska for many years and was a homemaker.
Marilyn enjoyed and excelled at many hobbies including quilting, cooking, reading, watching movies and gardening, which included growing roses in her later years which were beautifully displayed in her home throughout the summers. She was very involved in gardening and quilting clubs in both Juneau and Surprise, Arizona, where she and Jack were snowbirds for many years before making Eagle, Idaho their permanent home.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter Jean Davis and son-in-law Blair of Eagle, Idaho; her daughter Joanna Konechne and grandchildren Danielle and Jocelyn Konechne; sister Karen Angle of Frisco, Texas; brother Dale Bowman and his wife Patti of Emmett, Idaho; sister-in-law Aggie Helle of Dillon, Montana; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
At her request, no services will be held. In Marilyn’s honor, if you would like to make a donation to your local food bank, the Salvation Army, or the Wounded Warrior Project, these are some charities she supported.