Helen Louise Rossmiller

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Helen L. Rossmiller, 82, of Bellingham died on Oct. 2, 2005. Helen was born on Oct. 23, 1922 in Great Falls to Patrick Mitchell and Iva Thompson. She grew up traveling and working with her family and was known to many who loved her as the original "gypsy."

Helen was a waitress for over 60 years and dedicated her life to cooking and caring for others. She shared her knowledge and mentored all who wanted to learn from her life's experiences. She was an avid garage sale chaser, loved reading and listening to music. She enjoyed collecting books, ceramic birds and other dustables. She also loved taking road trips to surprise others with a visit.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Johnny Sloan and Duard Rossmiller; her sister, Velma Petschel; brothers Joe, Jack, Blair, Jim, Robert, Richard Mitchell, and stepson Jerry Rossmiller.

She is survived by her sister Patricia (Harold) Anderson of Ronan; daughter Sharron (Don) Hilton of Bellingham; son Terrance (Peggy) Smith of Ronan, son John Sloan of Bellingham; stepdaughter Deborah (Mark) Pugh of Shelby; Deanna (Bert) Whitehouse of Missoula; grandchildren Connie (Craig) Baier, Chris (Nancy) Rossmiller, Erin Sorenson, Jason (Lori) Sloan, John Sloan Jr., Lisa (Lance) Balentine, Jodi Rossmiller, Mike Rossmiller, Shane Rossmiller, Scott (Lisa) Whitehouse, Todd Whitehouse, Bryan (Debbie) Whitehouse, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; who will greatly miss her.

Her free spirit will be lovingly remembered and cherished. A celebration of her life will be held on Oct. 23 at her daughter's home at 1 p.m., 2704 Valencia St, Bellingham.

Remembrances may be made to The American Heart Association, ARC of Washington or a favorite charity.