Helen Dunbar Bley
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On Saturday, February 26, 2016, Heaven welcomed Helen Lila Bley. While our hearts are broken, we know she is happy to be with her family there.
Helen was born January 16, 1930 to Elizabeth and James Dunbar in Chinook, Montana. She, along with her brothers and sisters grew up on the family ranch just outside of Cleveland, Montana. After graduation from high school, she went to work for Buttrey Foods in Havre. She welcomed her first son, James Zygmond, on May 11, 1950 and her daughter, Vicki Byram, on August 27, 1951. She later transferred to Great Falls with Buttrey Foods, where she remained for 36 years, retiring in 1986 as the Office Payroll Manager.
It was in Great Falls, where she met at a dance and later married her love, Robert Bley, on April 5, 1958. Together they welcomed Roderick A. Bley to their family on November 26, 1958.
In August of 2015, Helen moved to the Springs in Missoula to be closer to family and we were so excited to be able to spend more time with her. She made many new friends at the Springs and enjoyed her time there.
Helen's life was always active. She spent time golfing, volunteering at Cambridge Court, and was an active member of the American Business Women's Association. We all have beautiful afghans she made for us, as well as other craft projects that she was trying out. The crocheted angels she made for our Christmas tree will always remind us of her and her love. She loved her crossword puzzles, playing solitaire with the smallest deck of cards we have ever seen, all kinds of music, ceramics, and of course, Bingo!
Her greatest passion in later life was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved visiting with them, hearing what they were doing, reading with them, playing, and just watching them.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Roderick; brothers Joseph and George Dunbar; and sisters Dorothy Ehlang, Margaret Wright, and Rozella Dunbar.
She is survived by her sister, Betty (Al) Sanford; daughter Vicki Byram; son James (Beverly) Zygmond; grandchildren Mejken (Ron ) Byram Thompson, Lindsey Byram Christ, Jamie Zygmond, Kyre' (Brian) Byram Malkemas, Tera Zygmond Nardi, and Kelsey Byram; very close friends, Ken and BeAnne Keith and Ron and Joy Frost; 8 great grandchildren; and many close nieces nephews, cousins, and sisters and brothers-in-law.
A funeral service was held Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1410 13th Str. S., Great Falls. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Helen requested memorials be given to the charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences for the family may be posted online at http://www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.
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