home that she loved so much. Though she had a stroke one month before passing she never lost her
loving, caring, sweet and humorous nature.
Helen was born in a small house in Littleton, Colorado to parents Ernest H. Danford and Helen
Danford. Her love of people and caring for them lead her to train as a nurse. She was accepted to the
Seton School of Nursing and later earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of
Colorado, Boulder. Through her career and even after retirement she was one of the most prominent
advocates for handicap citizens lives. She was the recipient of the Presidents Award from the early
D.A.R.C. and received awards from state groups such as the JFK Center for Child Development, ARC
and The Civitan group. Later Helen would accept the honor of being President of the local ARC and
was President of the Civitan group in Durango where she brought the number of volunteers from just a
few members to over 200 in a matter of 3 years.
She is survived by her two sons: Edward C. Sanks and Ralph J. Sanks III; her Grandchildren: Adam
Sanks, Noel Dice, Evan Sanks and Jamie Sanks; and her Great-grandchildren: Cara Lil Sanks, Blake
Dice and Kenzie Dice. She was preceded in death by her loving Husband Ralph J. Sanks Jr.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 8th 5-7pm at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery:
7777 W. 29th Ave Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 9th
11 am at Brentwood United Methodist Church: 1899 S Irving Street Denver, Colorado 80219. Her final
resting place will be beside her beloved husband at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Memorial
donations may be made to the church, ARC, or the MS Society. Condolences may be offered at:
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