Helen Pauline Crookshank was born on August 9, 1930 on a farm South of Dodge, North Dakota (Dunn County) to Harry and Ida (Becker) Halter. On September 19, 1949 she was united in marriage to John Crookshank in Golden Valley, ND and they farmed in Minnesota before moving to Marblemount in 1957. Helen worked for the Marblemount Grade School as a cook for 9 years and then later as Head Cook at Cascade Middle School for 13 ½ years. Students who ate her amazing school lunches still remark on it to this day! Marblemount is where she and John raised their family before moving to Sedro-Woolley in 1974 where Helen lived in the house she and John built on Duke’s Hill until her passing. She was home until the end just the way she had wished. Helen loved her large garden and enjoyed the fruits of her labors in fresh fruit, vegetables, and beautiful flowers. Summer trips to see the country and visit family, camping and hunting trips, fishing, crabbing, spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids all brought her joy. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting and spent countless hours creating afghans and lap robes which she then donated to the Christmas Gift Shop at the VA Hospital in Seattle. She was a lifetime member of the George Baldridge Legion Auxiliary #43 and a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her children Jan (Paul) Taylor, Jim (Kathy) Crookshank and Lewis (Darla) Crookshank; grandchildren Jodi (Keith) Hulst, Jason (Jodi) Temple, Troy Crookshank and Kellie (Brock) Haner; 8 great grandchildren and her first great-great grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her Aunt, Hilda Mittelstedt and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, and her brother Raymond.

A special thank you to Maria Juarez, Helen’s caretaker for the past 7 months and Hospice of the Northwest. Graveside services will be held at Union Cemetery on Wednesday, February 24th at 11:00 am. Memorials are suggested to VA of the Puget Sound. Please share your memories of Helen and sign the online guest register.