Helen Johnson

Helen Marie Johnson, 85, passed away Jan. 10, 2006, at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish.

She was born June 19, 1920, in Denton to Roy and Pearl (Coiner) Mossey. Helen received her early education in the Denton schools and then moved with her family to Whitefish, where she graduated from Whitefish High School in 1936.

She married Seth Kates the next day. Helen and Seth were very accomplished musicians and entertained in night clubs all over the valley. Helen was also a very gifted poet. To this union was born a son, Leonard Wayne "Buck" Kates. The couple later divorced.

Helen married Warren Johnson, and in 1962, the couple started the Bear Creek Ranch near Essex. They enjoyed providing trail rides and guided hunts until their retirement.

They then moved to whitefish. Helen was very active in the First Baptist Church and loved her time spent with the Senior Ministry to the Mountain View Manor. At the time of her passing, Helen and Warren were residents at the Colonial Manor.

She is survived by her husband, Warren Johnson, and a son, Leonard "Buck" Kates, both of Whitefish; a sister, Lucille Osburnsen, of Colorado; a brother, Leonard Mossey, and wife Toddy, of Troy; grandchildren Tracie Utti, of Oregon, and Jim Kates; and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Helen will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006 (today), at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Whitefish, with Pastor Kent Morrison officiating. Viewing will take place at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Milnor Lake Cemetery near Troy at 2 p.m. on Thursday.