Helen Frances Samuelson

Mar. 23, 1928 - Mar. 27, 2012

Date of Service: Apr. 2, 2012

Helen Purdue Samuelson
1928 ~ 2012

HEYBURN – Helen Frances Purdue Samuelson, age 84, of Heyburn, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at the Cassia Regional Medical Center in Burley.

Our blessed mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend was born in Lafayette, Colorado, on March 23, 1928. Helen was one of eight children. Growing up in the mountains and streams where her father worked as a lumberman, Helen’s faith in God came early as she saw proof of His existence in the beauty that surrounded her. In the Purdue family, everyone worked hard and sacrificed to provide sustenance so that even in the darkest depths of the Great Depression there was always plenty to eat. As the oldest in a large family, Helen spent much of her day caring for her younger siblings but there was still time for family picnics and time to pursue her loves of bike riding, horse riding, playing baseball and fishing with her mother. She also rode her spirited black horse named Satin in the local parades of Colorado. Helen possessed a deep love of animals throughout her life. She took in more than a few stray cats and dogs and each one adored her kind and gentle soul.

In 1948, Bob and Helen were married; she gave up her dream of being a nurse to partner up with a tall, blue-eyed Swede named Samuelson. Together, they decided to try their luck in Idaho with their then two children, Vicky and Bobby. They settled here in Burley and embraced the community and the United Methodist Church. The couple worked hard and saved to buy a dairy farm north of Declo. The dairy was a success because the two of them and their children worked together. Here is where Helen’s love of animals really paid off. The cows had a great affection for her, and she knew all of them by name not by number. The one called Myrtle would even try to lick her face as it came into the milk barn. The cows poured milk as she gave them copious amounts of grain and affection.

Helen and Bob lived close to the earth. Helen loved the simple pleasures of growing flowers, canning, sewing, quilting and baking. She knew the secret of living well; love of family, love of God and love for her countless friends. Her four children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren were her great joy. She was an active part of their life and will be sorely missed by all of them. Even though faith and family were her anchors, she knew that she needed to be a part of the larger world. She was very active in several organizations including: Lady’s Lifeline, Christian Women’s Club, and the United Methodist Church. She and Bob were lifetime members of Good Sam and traveled to many parts of the country. Helen was always ready to pitch in and help and pulled her own weight in any endeavor.

In answer to the question, “ What is your greatest disappointment in life?” Helen replied, “If you thank the Lord for each day and for family, there really are no disappointments.” That statement alone reveals what a truly remarkable woman she was. Her generosity of heart, her encompassing love, her rock solid faith, and her twinkling eyes will be mourned by all who knew her. We can only take solace in the fact that she will be taking her place in heaven and hope and pray that she will always be able to look down on those of us whose lives she touched and smile.

Helen is survived by her husband, Robert Samuelson; her daughter, Vicky Estridge; her son, Larry Samuelson (Cynthia); and her daughter, Cindy Povlsen (John). The family wishes to extend its warmest gratitude to Dr. Miranda, the Minidoka Home Health Services and to the staff at Cassia Regional Medical Center. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 2, at the Burley United Methodist Church, 450 E. 27th St., with the Rev. Kathy Abend officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, April 1, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Monday at the church.