Helen Theresa Quilling

Evans resident, Helen Theresa Quilling (90) passed away on Tuesday March 10, 2026, in Greeley, Colorado while surrounded by family members. Helen was born on August 27, 1935, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Maurice and Nora (Ward) Aitken. While in high school, she enjoyed being part of the marching/concert band as a twirler and reluctant trombonist. She graduated from Norton Community High School (Kansas) in 1954.

After high school, Helen moved with her parents and siblings to Denver, CO where she met her husband, Vernie Quilling, while he was stationed at Lowery Air Force Base. Their loving marriage began with a chance meeting through a mutual friend, Ann, who along with her husband George have remained close friends throughout the years.

Helen and Vernie were married on Saturday, May 20, 1956, at St, Francis de Sales Church in Denver, Colorado. Following Vernie's discharge from the Air Force, Helen worked as a secretary and office manager for Western Union, Bell Distributors, and Purina. She then worked at several area food banks and later as a volunteer, which she regarded "volunteerism as love."

During her retirement, Helen relaxed doing the things she loved most; spending time with family and friends, fishing, camping, playing cards, and watching her favorite teams; the Denver Nuggets and the Denver Broncos.

Helen and Vernie moved to Guffey, Colorado where they enjoyed a somewhat "off the grid" living style for 5 years. They then moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma followed by a move to Manila, Utah where they enjoyed fishing and camping at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Eventually, they returned and settled in their current home in Evans, Colorado.

Helen was proceeded in death by her parents, Maurice and Nora, her husband, Vernie, her oldest son, Larry, and youngest son, Kevin. She is survived by her; Daughter Patty (Randy) of Brighton, CO; Son, Mike and wife Rosanna of Garden City, KS; 11 grandchildren - Aaron, Nathan, Chelsea, Sarah, Breeanna, Shawna, Lance, Brad, Derrick, Darrin, and David; 15 great grandchildren - Emerson, Makenzie, Genevieve, Josh, Mikaela, Tristan, Wyatt, Lily, Kannan, Levi, Mia, Adelina, Lucianna, Nani, and Ayden.

A Rosary will be held at St Mary Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Ave, Greeley, CO 80634, on March 24, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Mass will follow at St Mary Catholic Church on March 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Following Mass, a memorial luncheon will be held at Knights of Columbus, 2600 6th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen's memory may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School 2222 23rd Ave. Greeley, CO 80634