The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Helen Elaine (Hebbel) Gibbs passed away peacefully in her rural farmhouse outside Haxtun, as she wished, with her daughters by her side on Jan. 29, 2023 at the age of 88.

Helen was born to Heinrich (Henry) Wilhelm and Ethel Flossie (Skinner) Hebbel in Peetz on Dec. 5, 1934. Helen's childhood was full of adventure growing up at the foot of Lewis Canyons. She fearlessly explored every nook and cranny of the canyons on horseback often taking a lunch and staying all day. She had many pets including a pig and a badger named Stinky. The family would hitch up the wagon and travel to Peetz where they would watch movies projected on the side of a white building. Hobos left a mark on a nearby train trestle indicating that a hearty meal could be had at the house.

As a young girl Helen traveled by train to Michigan to visit and care for her favorite cousins, the children of her father's sister. Helen met the handsome nephew of her sister's husband at a family Christmas party. Howard and Helen were married in her childhood home on Sept. 28, 1952. They enjoyed 69 years together before Howard's passing in January of 2022.

Helen was an Army wife for a short time and a lifelong farm wife. She could drive any truck or tractor. She milked cows and raised cattle, hogs and chickens. She enjoyed mowing, weed eating and caring for her beautiful flowers. Helen obtained her GED and her first job was as a Nurses Aid wiping down and making up the beds in the new Haxtun Hospital in 1965. In 1975 she completed the Emergency Medical Technician course and in the mid '80s became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Helen's warm healing hands were a comfort to many. Helen, along with Howard, created a place of cheer, warmth and stability. Without hesitation and with grace they helped raise all the kids in their life. Kids of their own. Kids while their mom or sibling were going through cancer treatments. Kids while their parents worked or relaxed or went through a divorce. And kids just because they loved being at grandma and grandpas.

Helen is survived by her children Michael Gibbs, Randall Gibbs and wife Pam, Lucinda Wagner and husband Patrick and Rhonda Graber and husband Tim; grandchildren Bryan Gibbs and wife Jenny, Brandon Gibbs and wife Adi, Hannah and Bethany Gibbs, Damien Wagner and wife Kamie, Mariah Wagner and significant other Tyler, Nathan Wagner, Aaron Wagner and wife Michelle, Kyle Goodwin and wife Tina, Savanah Guhl and significant other Diego; great-grandchildren Kaitlynn and Audrey Gibbs, Aaliyah, Kayden and Liam Gibbs, Kaden, Kaylee, Korbin, Kelton and Atticus Wagner, Krissy Langston and husband Jesse, Amberly Brown and husband Cody, Valarie, Trenton, Daphani and Troidon Allen, Zavian and Zailen Wagner, Shelby DeCoopman and Greysen Wagner, Rylee and Jaycee Guhl; great-great grandchildren Barrett, Ivy and Abram Brown and baby girl Langston due spring of 2023. Helen is also survived by siblings Betty Becker and Dean Hebbel, sisters-in-law Donna, Marlys and Janice as well as several nieces and nephews.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband Howard; parents Henry and Ethel; siblings Jack Hebbel, Louise Hebbel and Amy Harbridge; and infant great-grandson Caleb Gibbs.

Memorial services will be held on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 100 Broadway Suite #10 in Sterling with Reverend Lew Champ officiating.