Helen West passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born in Georgetown, Minnesota and her family moved to the San Luis Valley to become potato farmers soon after. She was proud of her family’s farming roots and often described herself fondly as a farmgirl at heart. Helen graduated from Sargent High School in 1955. She met and married John West in 1956, a partnership that would span 32 years until John’s death in 1988.
Helen was known for her kindness to people and animals. She had a fulfilling career with and retired from the Fort Collins / Loveland Water District. Helen had a deep love for animals and welcomed many canine companions into her home and heart. She found joy outdoors, whether walking in her neighborhood, hiking with the Colorado Mountain Club, or conquering the Bolder Boulder year after year.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Janna West Kowalski (Tom) and son, Jason West (Lori) and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband John and siblings, Bill, Dale, Kenneth, Sharon, and Gary. Please join the family in a remembrance on January 16th at Allnutt Funeral Service-Drake Road Chapel in Fort Collins.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Larimer County Humane Society.
