Helen Jeanette Wood Mellem

Helen Jeanette Wood Mellem, 87, of Libby died at her home with her family by her side on Oct. 8, 2009.

She was born Feb. 9, 1922 in Thief River Falls, Minn., to Henry Melvin and Cora Elizabeth Norman Wood. She married Clarence Rudolph Mellem on Aug. 25, 1940 in Thief River Falls. They moved to Somers in 1942 and then to Libby in 1949.

Mrs. Mellem was a lifetime member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed teaching the 3-year-olds. She was a volunteer for the Red Cross, a member of the Good Sam's Club and a Cub Scout leader.

She enjoyed reading, working in her garden, playing cards with the Ladies Group, knitting and crocheting gifts to give to others.

Most precious to Helen’s heart were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known in the community at Halloween for her homemade popcorn balls and gingerbread men.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Cami Jo, her husband of 61 years, Clarence Mellem, four sisters and four brothers.

She is survived by five children, Douglas Mellem and wife Jane of Libby; Jerald Mellem and Vicki Fulwiler of Havre; Peter Mellem and wife Jeanine of Fort Collins, Colo.; Clarise Mellem Rowberry and husband Bill of Libby; and Carol Mellem Addicott and husband Ronald of Ray, N.D.; two sisters, Jean Wold and Dorothy Wold – both of Thief River Falls, Minn.; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Services will be Saturday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby.

Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby handled arrangements.