Obituary: Helen Harty

Funeral Services

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 10:30 AM (Mountain).

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m.

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In memory of

Helen Harty

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Friday, March 31, 2017 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 65

Helen M. Pankratz was born March 28, 1952, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the daughter of Harold and Charlotte (Muhmel) Pankratz. She grew up in Marion, South Dakota, and received her education, graduating from Marion High School in 1970. Helen was very active in the Turner County 4-H during her childhood years, along with lifeguarding at the municipal pool in Marion for a number of summers. After high school she attended South Dakota State University, and during that time she went on a road trip with her friend Kathy Husband to Milesville to stay with Kathy’s cousins, the Harty’s. It was at that time she met Thomas L. Harty.

Helen and Tom were married October 16, 1971, in Marion, and made their home on the ranch 24 miles north of Philip, their entire married life. To this union were born two children Tommy and Victoria. Helen was a teacher’s aide at Cheyenne rural school and later Plum Creek school in Haakon County. She later worked part time at First National Bank in Philip and part-time at Jones’ Bottle and Vet. She later worked full time as a bookkeeper for First National Bank, where she has been employed for over 20 years.

Helen enjoyed reading , cooking, and everything to do with horses.

Grateful for having shared her life include her husband Tom of Philip; one son Tommy Harty and his wife Alice of Milesville; one daughter Victoria “Vicki” Cook and Narcisso of New Underwood; two grandsons Billy and Tyler Cook; one sister Rosemary Christenson and her husband Jim of Katy, Texas; a sister-in-law Linda Pankratz of Marion; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother Bill Pankratz.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Gary Oreshoski as celebrant and Deacon Lloyd Frein as con-celebrant.

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 - 10:30 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Gary Oreshoski

CO-CELEBRANT
Deacon Lloyd Frein

MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Organist
Shelby Schofield - Cantor
“On Eagles Wings” - #435
“Pastures of the Lord”
“One Bread, One Body” - #339
“O Loving God” - #678
“Lead Me Lord” - #628

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Lester Pearson - JoAnn Pearson

LECTOR
Rita O’Connell

USHERS
Gene Deuchar - Rick Palecek

PALLBEARERS
Steve Pekron - Ron Millage - Jeff Staben
Mike Gebes - Bill Kelly - Sid Fairbanks

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

We are saddened to learn that you’re mourning the loss of your dear love one. However, it saddens our God even more. No doubt, you have many fond memories which will resurface from time to time. And because you do have memories, certainly shows that almighty God has memories as well. Therefore, with full confidence you can take comfort in knowing that he longs to restore perfect life to all those in his memory (Job 14:13-15; Rev 21:3, 4). Please accept our condolences at this most distressing time. ~ Williams Family Texas (4/26/2017)
I'm so sorry to hear that Helen is no longer on this Earth. She made the biggest chocolate chip cookies ever. I was always envious when Tommy and Vicki had them in lunch. She loved her family and so devoted. Peace and Blessings, Kara ~ Kara Gittings Moriarty Anchorage, AK (4/7/2017)
So very sorry to hear of Helen's passing. I have very fond memories of her from when I was young. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Krystl (Anderson) Vermundson Rapid City, SD (4/6/2017)
Mariion SD. Thoughts and prayers for your family. Helen worked for us in Home Café during high school...so many special memories we will always treasure. God's Blessings. ~ Ann Deckert (4/5/2017)
Tom, Tommy, Vicki, and Families,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Helen. She was my very first CCD teacher and a beautiful lady. I hope it brings you some comfort to know that she is no longer in pain and you will meet again in a much better place. Until then, I hope the memories of her beautiful smile will sustain you in your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Lisa (Schofield) Jonas Pierre, SD (4/4/2017)
Dear Tom and Family, We're deeply sorry for the loss of Helen. She was one of the gentlest, kindest people I knew; always patient at the bank even though I would call with the same question multiple times. She was a sweet lady. I will keep your family in my prayers. ~ Annie Brunskill Philip (4/4/2017)
Tom and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Helen was always such a sweet lady, and I'm sure you will miss her terribly. ~ Bud & Peggy Eggers Volga, SD (4/4/2017)
Harty Family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Scott and Wanda Pippert Sidney, MT (4/3/2017)
Uncle Tom and family, sorry to hear of Aunt Helen's passing, you are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Ed, Cooper, and Payton Harty Rapid City, SD (4/3/2017)
I had the pleasure of working with Helen at the bank, and was blessed that we shared time together. She was a true champion, and wonderful woman. I send my prayers to the family for their well being and healing during this difficult time. ~ Harvey Carlisle Cottonwood SD (4/3/2017)
Tom, So sorry to hear of Helen's passing. I always enjoyed her so much with the Sheep Growers Association gatherings. She will be remembered by so many. God bless. ~ Laura Johnson Reva, SD (4/3/2017)
Tom; Tommy & Alice; Vicky & boys; I'm so very sorry for your loss. Helen was such a wonderful lady, I always enjoyed visiting with her. She always had a smile & a kind word whenever I saw her. Treasure your memories, they are what will sustain you in the days & weeks ahead. Lifting you all up in prayer. ~ Cindy Nuzum Wall, SD (4/3/2017)
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Uncle and Cousins. Aunt Helen was a remarkable woman. I will always remember her cooking for an army of branders and always with a smile on her face. Treasure the memories. ~ Paul Moneik Stephens Mikaela and Mathew Black Hawk (4/3/2017)
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jake, April, Riley and Tara Schofield ~ The Schofields Philip, SD (4/2/2017)
God is good and she now has the peace of Gods love. Thinking of you from TX. ~ Bruce and Linda Kroetch Philip, SD (4/2/2017)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Helen was a sweet lady. ~ Karen Hanson Rapid City, SD (4/2/2017)
Uncle Tom, Tommy and Alice,Vicki and boys. So sorry for your loss. Aunt Helen was a one of kind lady who fought a long hard battle. Take comfort in the fact she is no longer in pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you all ~ Karrie Christenson Graham North Carolina (4/2/2017)
I worked with Helen for many years and knew her for many more. She was a pleasure to be around and a good worker. You, her family, are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ BOYD WAARA Philip, SD (4/2/2017)
Tom, Vicki, and Tommy. We were so sorry to hear about Helen. Love and Prayers to you all. Im so sorry for your loss. ~ Memory & Kaden Neville Rapid City, SD (4/2/2017)
Our hearts go out to the Harty family. We always enjoyed visiting with Helen, whether it was at the bank or on lunch break at the salebarn or just on occasion of meeting up. Her smile lit up a room. ~ Buster & Nancy Peterson Kadoka, SD (4/2/2017)
Tom and family! We a sorry to hear of Helen's passing! Helen was a great person to visit with and she always had a little fun with most everybody! ~ Joe Millage & Elaine Thennis Philip, S.D. (4/2/2017)
Tom, Tommy & Alice, Vicki & family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. She was such a beautiful woman and always had a smile and a kind word. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Rhonda (Staben) Harshbarger Arvada, CO (4/2/2017)
Helen was a wonderful woman. My sympathies to the entire family, ~ Lance Peterson St. Paul, MN (4/2/2017)
So sorry to hear of your loss. Helen was a great lady, and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. ~ David and Tonya Berry Milesville, SD (4/2/2017)
Tom & Family, so sorry to hear of Helen passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St. Sturgis,S.D. (4/2/2017)
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family. Always liked visiting with Helen.
~ Connie (Martinson) Gerard Edgemont, SD (4/2/2017)
Sorry to hear of Helen's passing, but so happy for her to be free of pain and now flying with the angels. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. ~ Tom and Jane Aasby Rapid City, SD (4/2/2017)
Tom, Vicki, Tommy, and family,
How sorry we are to hear of Helen's passing. She was such a lady and she had a smile that lit up the room. She was so much fun to visit with and now is talking with her Savior. She will be missed so much. I am proud to say that she was my friend. ~ Don & Bobette Schofield Milesville, SD (4/2/2017)
Uncle Tom, Cousin Tommy and Alice, Cousin Vicki and boys,
Prayers for peace, comfort and peace during this time. Will always remember Helen's sense of humor as well as hospitality. May she fly free of pain and be whole once more ❤ ~ Nicole Christenson-Keisacker Sioux Falls, SD (4/2/2017)
So sorry for the loss of Helen, remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. ~ jim and Vonnie O'Dea Howes, SD (4/1/2017)
Tom and family so sorry for your loss. ~ Butch Amsden SAanta Rosa Ca (4/1/2017)
Very sorry to learn of the loss of Helen. Your family is on our hearts as you enter into the days and weeks ahead. Bless her memory. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (4/1/2017)
She fought a long battle but now is at peace. So sorry for your loss. May God keep you in his hands. ~ Sandee Gittings Philip (4/1/2017)
We are thinking of you folks during this difficult time. Helen was a special lady. Hold onto all the wonderful memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (4/1/2017)
Our sympathies. We always enjoyed Helen's smile! She will be missed. ~ Dan and Gayla Piroutek Milesville (4/1/2017)