Helen Marie Willey

Helen married Neil Willey on June 21st, the first day of summer, 1957.

She began her family at an early age and raised two boys, Mike, and Darrel.

In the summer of 1965 she began a life-long career at Gates Rubber Company, in Denver. Shortly after her retirement, in October of 1996, her and Neil moved to Fruita, CO. When Neil passed away in 1998, her sons moved to the Valley to “help out with a few things”. They both stayed, put down roots and helped her with dad's “honey-do” list.

She was passionate about her family, her garden and her pets. (not always necessarily in that order).

Through most of her 20 years in the valley, she spent much of it active in the Master Gardner Program.

She was a perennial visitor to the Fruita Farmer's Market, always on the lookout for the perfect peach or tomato.

She was also a student of Tai Chi, a practice that well served her sense of balance, in mind and body.

When walking with her around town, it was hard not to run into someone who knew her, and just had stop and chat for a bit.

She is survived by her two loyal and loving sons, Darrel and Mike Willey, and her two brothers George (Evert), and Dan Huizinga, grand children Justin, and Cyndi, two nephews, Eric and Kyle, and her niece Suzy.

She has been an anchor point for her family for 20 years, in the valley. She will be thoroughly missed and forever thought fondly of.

Memorial contributions to Roice-Hurst Humane Society, 362 28 Road, Grand Junction 81501; or to Claws, 2214 Sanfrod Drive, Grand Junction 81505.