Helen Marie (Carlson) Roberts

Helen Marie Roberts, 80, died peacefully on September 4, 2019, at her home in Victor, Montana. She was surrounded by her children, David and Debbie, and longtime friend, Jim Carey.

She was born on October 12, 1938, to Richard and Stella Carlson in Hamilton, Montana. Helen grew up on a working ranch near Sleeping Child and attended Grantsdale Elementary School and graduated from Hamilton High School.

She met Ronald Kittel of Victor, and they were married on August 16, 1957, in Hamilton. Helen was a devoted housewife and a mother of two children, David and Debbie. They operated a small farm outside of Victor raising cattle and pigs. They later divorced and Helen moved into town and worked at the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office. She was an avid fan of her children and grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities.

She met and married Kenneth Roberts (Kenny) on August 6, 1971. They lived in Victor and combined their families and raised four children. During that time Helen served as an EMT with the Victor Ambulance for about 10 years until her stepson, Darrell, took over her lead role as EMT. She then became instrumental in forming The Victor Fire Auxiliary which is now the present-day Victor Fire Association. She remained active by providing guidance to the association and ambulance members.

She enjoyed bowling, camping and boating until Kenny’s death on Nov 6, 2004. She also loved activities such as playing games (bingo) and cards (pinochle/rummy), gardening and canning, growing flowers in her rock gardens, and the companionship of her pets.

She is preceded in death by her late husband Kenny Roberts, her mother Stella Lowe and father Richard Carlson.

She is survived by her son David Kittel (Ellen) of Victor, daughter Debbie Rowland (Scott) of Missoula, Stepsons Darrell Roberts (Linda) of Newport, OR, and Jim Roberts (Kim) of Seattle, WA.

Five grandchildren – Chris Kittel (Val) of New York, Michelle Hoffman (Rich) of Missoula, Matthew Kittel of Raleigh, NC, Ryan Roberts (Danielle) of Seattle, WA and TJ Roberts (Angelic) of Grande Berry, TX, and seven great grandchildren

After Kenny’s passing, Helen’s long time high school friend, Jim Carey helped her through hardships and continued to be her companion until her passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Bitterroot Church of the Nazarene on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at 10:00 am.  Burial will take place at the Victor Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Bitterroot Church of the Nazarene Neeley Center. 

Donations may be made to Victor Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance, Bitterroot Church of the Nazarene or Bitterroot Humane Association in honor of Helen Roberts.

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