Helen Cook of Gunnison, Colorado, passed away peacefully in the Gunnison Valley Hospital on the morning of Aug. 8, 2013, in the presence of her two daughters. She was 85. Helen was born on a ranch up South Canyon near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Edward and Cecil Hart. She had an older brother Eddie and an older sister Virginia.

She spent her childhood moving frequently because her mother was a County Extension Agent. Her father suffered from tuberculosis and was unable to work. Her family lived in the Glenwood area, Salida and when she was in her teens they moved to Manitou Springs, where she graduated from high school. After high school she went to work as a civil servant at Fort Carson Army Base.

Through a high school friend she met her friend’s brother who became the love of her life. She married Eugene Cook on July 12, 1946, when she had just turned 18. During their time in Denver they had two daughters and Helen was a wonderful homemaker. Thirty years later they built their dream home on the banks of the Roaring Fork River in Glenwood Springs and enjoyed living in the beautiful mountains. Medical necessity required them to move to a lower elevation to Grand Junction where they lived. Her beloved husband of 60 years passed away in 2006. One year later, Helen moved to Gunnison to live closer to her daughters; living in the mountains again.

Helen was an avid fisherwoman and camper and shared these wonderful outdoor experiences with her husband and two daughters. She was a loving, devoted wife and mother and had many friends throughout the years.

Most importantly, Helen loved her Lord Jesus and cherished the time she spent in service to Him. She and her husband were instrumental in starting the Free Will Baptist Churches in Colorado. She remained a “good and faithful servant” throughout her entire life.

Survivors include: daughters Nancy and Chris (son-in-law) Candee of Ouray and Diana and Thomas (son-in-law) Purnell of Gunnison; grandson Michael Cook and Sherri Snyder (granddaughter-in-law) of Silt and her great-granddaughter Carolwyn Cook; sisters- and brothers-in-law Bessie and Bob Stepp of Cedaredge; Maxine and Jesse Whala of Denver; and Betty Hart of Tucson, Arizona; and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers Helen wished that her friends and family would contribute to World Vision/for Children, in memory of Helen Cook, P.O. Box 78481, Tacoma, WA., 98481, an organization that Helen felt was very important to her and to which she contributed faithfully for many years. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Cedaredge Cemetery in Cedaredge, CO. A reception will follow the service. Condolences may also be sent to the family at http://www.crippinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colo.