Helen E. Arfsten

Helen was born July 15, 1925 to Jennie Katheryne Higby and Charles Fred Noe on the family ranch in Greenland. She attended Greenland School and later graduated from Douglas County High School. After graduation, she obtained her teaching certificate so that she could fill in teaching during a teacher shortage in World War II. Helen spent her career at one room schools, the first being Glen Grove School and later Greenland School. She loved children and cooked at Cherry Valley School at a time when school lunches were prepared from scratch including fresh bread daily.

Helen married Edward “Bud” Arfsten June 11, 1949 on her grandfathers Eagle Mountain Ranch in Greenland. Two children were born to this union, Shirley in 1950 and Jim in 1953.

Helen was involved in several community activities. She was president of Cherry Homemakers Home Demonstration Club for many years and hosted Governor John Love during the ribbon cutting when Highway 83 was widened to Colorado Springs. In addition, she was a member of Columbine Circle Club while attending Little Log Church.

Helen was born a caregiver and touched the lives of all she knew. She cared for many of her Cherry Valley neighbors including Pete Sanchez who, because of Helen, was able to stay in his home until his death at 97. When daughter Shirley became acutely ill at a young age she cared for her at home until her death in 2010. Helen and Bud helped raise grandson Jeremy in their home until he graduated from high school.

The welcome sign was always on for anyone coming to visit where they could expect a cup of coffee, something sweet to eat and a warm smile.

Coming from a large family, Helen and Jim host the Higby Family Picnic at their ranch yearly. The family recently celebrated eighty five years of get togethers.

At 87 years of age, God quietly called Helen to her heavenly home on Friday September 21, 2012.

She is survived by son Jim, two grandsons’, Jeremy Arfsten, Charles “Andy” Kastens (Christine) and three great Grandchildren, Paige, Emily and Jackson Kastens. Helen was predeceased by a grandson Beau Allen Arfsten.

Contributions can be made to Little Log Church, 133 High Street, Palmer Lake, Co. 80133.