Martha Helsel Obituary

Martha Ann Helsel passed away April 29, 2008, at the Parkmoor Village Care Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Martha was born on June 24, 1923 in Branson, Colorado to Jakob and Barbara (Rubarsch) Pfeifer as the eighth of eight children. She was the family's first child born in the USA after the family immigrated from Bohemia. Martha was preceded in death by her husband Phillip E. Helsel, sister Elsa (Pfeifer)Huebner, brother Karl Pfeifer, son Phillip Ray Helsel, granddaughter Melanie Young and her parents Jakob and Barbara Pfeifer. Her survivors include her adored children: daughter Ann Young of Colorado Springs and sons Gary Helsel (Janice) of Austin, Texas and John (Betty) Helsel of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Martha also has 13 surviving grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, niece Emma Lou (Sonny) Hodges of Beaver, OK, and many great nieces, nephews and friends. Martha was united in marriage to Phillip Eustus Helsel on January 13, 1949. They had four children and resided in Stratton, Colorado until August 1986. Martha spent much of her young life in Beaver, County, OK, where she attended school and helped on the family farm. As an adult, Martha worked as a nurse in Shattock, OK and Kansas City before moving to Stratton, Colorado. Martha managed her own laundry service, while also serving as the bookkeeper to Phil's business, Helsel Motor Co. Martha loved to spend her free time crocheting, quilting, knitting, sewing, gardening and fishing. Martha's favorite activity was anything where she could use her ultimate competitive spirit especially playing cards, bingo, Yahtzee. Martha spent half of her of her life battling Multiple Sclerosis. She lived at her care facility for 17+ years. She was President of the Resident's Council, managed the Country Store and participated in ALL of the social activities, while developing many great friendships. We love you miss you Mom and Grandma. We will always remember your love, strength, courage and honesty. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Martha's name to Pikes Peak Hospice.