Helen Stella Quain

March 30, 1936 - February 4, 2026

Helen Stella Quain, 89, of Hotchkiss, Colorado, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, at 10:30 p.m. in Palisade, Colorado.

Helen was born March 30, 1936, in Fruita, Colorado, to Zella and Robert. She grew up in the farming community of western Colorado, learning early the values of hard work, dedication, and resilience that would define her life.

On December 22, 1955, Helen married John William “Bill”Quain at the First Baptist Church in Fruita, Colorado. Their marriage was a testament to love, commitment, and unwavering devotion that lasted until Bill’s passing on December 13, 2018, after nearly 63 years together.

Helen and Bill began their married life in Prescott, Arizona, before moving in July 1956 to the New Liberty community, northwest of Mack, Colorado, to take over the family farm owned by Helen’s parents. Bill was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1958 and became wheelchair-bound in the mid 60’s and Helen demonstrated extraordinary strength and dedication. In November 1963, the family moved to a farm near Hotchkiss, Colorado, on the North Fork, where Helen would spend the rest of her life.

Helen was a woman of remarkable capability and determination. There were very few things she could not do. For over 60 years, she cared for her husband with diligence and through all the challenges his illness presented. She managed the farm, raised their two children while serving as Bill’s devoted caregiver.

Helen had a deep love for the land. She was passionate about gardening and farming, finding joy and purpose in working with the soil and watching things grow. Her gardens were a reflection of her spirit and her connection to the beautiful mountain landscape she called home.

Helen is survived by her son, James and wife Tashina; daughter, Diana and husband Richard; seven grandchildren: Charlotte, Rebecca and husband Lee,, Hope and husband Lyndon, Adam and wife Erica, Cristan and husband Eric, Michael, and Tyler and wife Katie; and eight great-grandchildren: Payton, Kiley, Zoey, Paisley, Aubrey, Chase, Georgia and Charlotte.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John William “Bill” Quain; her parents, Zella and Robert, Sr, her brothers Wylie Sanders Louis Sanders, and her brothers-in-law, Robert C. Quain and C. Tom Quain, and sister-in-law, Sirena Acrey.

Funeral services will be held March 12th, 2026, at 9:30 am at Mountain View Church, 8733 3100 Road, Lazear, Colorado. Interment will follow at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado at 1:00 pm.