Helen Esther Frank

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Helen Esther Frank. She was a warm hearted little lady, always putting others before herself. Mom was liked by all who knew her and certainly loved by most. Someone once said of Helen, “If anyone has a problem with Helen in anyway, then [that person] really has a problem!!!” That really sums it up. She never spoke badly of anyone…she had a very gracious & forgiving heart.

Helen was born on October 20, 1920, at home in Warden, Montana, to Russian/German Immigrant parents Peter & Catherine Mary (Brick) Herman. As a child Helen lived her growing up years not only in Warden, but also Harden, Moss Main, Laurel and Billings, Montana. Her parents were dirt farmers, mainly sugar beets; however, due to hard times they eventually worked other farms to make a very modest living.

Helen was raised with six siblings ~ Louise, Carl, Elizabeth, Leona, [Helen], Clara & Anna. One known baby boy was buried on an Island during Peter & Mary’s voyage to the USA; also, one and possibly two babies born in the USA that did not survive. They were a large family.

The Herman family were a very close net family. Times were hard, but they trusted in the Lord and made the best of what they had, which was very little. Yet, through it all, they loved & laughed and always found humor where at all possible! Helen’s mother always told them to “keep the faith” and to “look for the rainbows…for a rainbow always means there is Hope in God.”

One of Mom’s fond childhood memories was when winters would be so brittle cold that the kids would pile into a big bed together, while their Dad [Granddad] kept the stove going for heat, and her Mom [Grandma], would sit in her rocking chair by the stove mending clothes while they read the Bible & sang hymns together….all in German, of course!

Mom really enjoyed school, however, due to the need for all of the children to help work on the farm, her school days had to be limited to the 8th grade. Her fondest memories of her school days were with her favorite teacher Mrs. Abbott & her best friend Clara Michaels. Mrs. Abbott lived in town, [in Billings], and she lived in a big beautiful home….two story and with ‘in door’ bathrooms!!! On occasions, Mrs. Abbott would invite Mom & her girlfriend Clara, to spend the week-end in this beautiful home. Oh what a treat that was for those young farm girls [accustom to those cold ‘out-houses’]. Mom said that the first night they ever stayed at Mrs. Abbott’s, she had to finally come into their bedroom at night, to ask them to please go to sleep.......[you see, the girls were up flushing the toilet all night...what joy!!]

Mom’s years of formal education may have been limited, but Helen was very bright and knowledgeable through her own efforts & accomplishments. She was a GREAT speller and a very wise & discerning individual…..she was amazing, with many talents & lessons to pass on to her own children and others. Among them were her sewing abilities. She made most of her 3 daughter’s clothes and never used a pattern and they were the cutest and most well dressed at all times. She also was an excellent cook… but what she truly enjoyed and loved was the baking. She baked the best cookies, cakes & desserts, but will always be most remembered for her ‘Apple Pies’. She just had that special touch with the apple pies and no-one has ever made one better!!!...or even as good!!!

Helen was a faithful and loving person. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Helen cared for others and carried that into her marriage of almost 50 yrs. On September 25, 1935, Helen married Alexander Frank at the minister's home (chapel) in Columbus, Montana. They later moved onto Washington, Oregon and then onto California where they made their permanent home.

Harmony was important to Helen and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Helen was blessed with seven children ~ four sons, Alex, Ruben (deceased), Ken and Dave; and three daughters, Darlene (deceased), Vondalee and Cathy. She was also blessed with eleven grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and eleven great-great grandchildren. She did not get to be around all of her extended children, as she would have loved to have been, but she loved them all and was such a tender and loving Grandma and always did all she could to be in touch with them. Mom was amazing about remembering birthdays & special occasions with cards & notes…..she never forgot!!!

Helen was a good team player… someone who cooperated with others and did whatever reasonable to keep peace. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in the way people related and bonded so easily with her. Helen loved to dance and was a great dancer…she had a beautiful voice in her younger days and sang beautifully with her sister Anna whenever they were together……and of course, ALWAYS laughter. Helen loved to play games, cards and was pretty much willing to join into any family type activity. She was a lot of fun and a very good sport at all times….and, oh yes….let’s not forget those bowling league days with her daughter-in-law Cheryl and daughter Cathy........she loved it and she was so fun and so funny!!!

Her primary occupation was as a homemaker, wife and mother. Occasionally, she would serve at high society home functions in Palo Alto, Atherton, and Menlo Park areas, where she was even personally introduced to Mrs. Shirley Temple Black…that was a big treat for Mom! She brought harmony to her work environment and enjoyed the experience and others.

Having a kind & giving heart, Mom would not hesitate to help others in need….. or just to be giving!! She always found a way to make it all work out, even if we ourselves were limited. She was appreciated and respected, and deeply loved for her sweet & giving nature.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Helen well with her faith. Christianity and faith were important to her. She was a member of the Los Gatos Christian Church and the Central Christian Church for 20 plus years. During that time, Helen and her daughter Cathy, served on the "Senior's Bulletin Stuffers Committee" at Los Gatos Christian Church and active with seniors at Central Christian Church until she became too ill. Mom dearly loved her Church family and appreciated all of their love extended to her, at all times. [Praise the Lord for their reunion on “That Glorious Day”!!!]

Helen's favorite vacations included her trips to Billings, Montana to visit her parents, siblings and relatives.

Helen was a lover of animals and cherished her dogs, Shaggie and Shatzie. She would not hesitate to help a wounded bird or any little critter in need. She loved her beautiful flower gardens with all the birds, squirrels, little lizards etc. that visited daily to eat or bath in the bird bath. It brought Mom much joy………’a little taste of heaven on earth.’

Mom’s favorite hymns [or songs] were, “In the Garden”, “What a friend we have in Jesus”, “Amazing “Grace” and many more. And, the rainbow meant so much to Mom, from her mother’s teachings…. “I set my bow [rainbow] in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth”. Genesis 9:13

Helen went to be with the Lord on October 30, 2010 in the home she loved, surrounded by loved ones. Mom fought a courageous battle with Lung Disease for many years. She is survived by her children Alex Frank, Ken Frank, Vondalee Frank, Cathy Frank, and David Frank; her eleven grandchildren; her fourteen great grandchildren; and her eleven great-great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of Roses. Helen was laid to rest next to her husband Alex Frank (and where Cathy will eventually be laid to rest).

Helen was a down to earth person, practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her most for, is the fact that she was such a kind, generous, understanding and caring person. Everyone whose life was touched by Helen Esther Frank was blessed and will miss her dearly.

Until we are with you again Mom, in ‘God’s Country’, we Love you & will always hold you closely in our hearts….until all of God’s Children meet again.