Helen Ruth Pluhar

Helen Ruth Pluhar passed away on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015.

Helen was born on Aug. 16, 1920, to Herbert G. and Lillian M. (Thon) Hallin at the home built by her grandfather, Martin Thon, in Stillwater, Minn. She was the younger of two daughters.

Upon graduation from high school, Helen worked as a secretary to the Superintendent of Schools and later for the president of a lumber company. Her boss recommended her for a position in Miles City. She attained the position of secretary to the president of First National Bank, a high position for women in those days.

In Miles City, Helen met and married Edwin B. "Ed" Pluhar, to whom three children were born. Though she enjoyed Miles City, in 1962, Ed found a job in Billings, where caring for her family remained her focus. When the youngest entered junior high, Helen found a job in the Credit Bureau, becoming office manager.

After they retired, Ed and Helen worked in programs which served those around them. Together, they headed up NARFE and AARP chapters. Helen was chosen as the AARP Assistant State Director for Montana and served on the State Legislative Committee for 10 years. The positions were not without perks, allowing Ed and Helen to travel to many places throughout the U.S. for meetings. Later, she and Carolyn took a trip to Israel.

Helen was a conscientious and capable woman in business. She instilled qualities of responsibility, pride and honesty in her children. She enjoyed handwork, puzzle books and reading that kept her mind active.

Preceding Helen in death were her parents; her husband, Ed; and a sister, Mildred Giering. Left to remember her strength and concern for them are Bonnie and Lee Iverson, Carolyn and Laron. Also special to her are Jim Betterman and Denise O'Reilly, along with several nieces and nephews and their families. Especially mourning her loss is Taz, her fifth Pomeranian.

Though Helen's frame was tiny, by the end of her 95 years, much as she began, looking back over her life shows her to be filled with strength and determination that confidently places her with that Greatest Generation.

Helen was proud to have lived at home with some help from Carolyn and Laron for over 93 years. Her family is very grateful for the great care she received in the last hard years from the women and men at Tender Nest.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Billings, heart health organizations or the charity of your choice.