Helen McMillan, 84

Helen Allene McMillan – 1939-2024

Helen Allene (Ashley) McMillan, 84, passed away peacefully Jan. 17, 2024, in Sun City, Ariz. She was born Aug. 26, 1939, in Spokane, Wash., and raised in Butte.

Helen was a truly kind and loving person who leaves behind a void that will be deeply felt by her family and many friends. She was loved by all who knew her.

Helen married Donald James McMillan in 1959 and they were married for 64 years. Don passed away on Jan. 27, 2024, just 10 days after Helen.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Deanna Tymofichuk of Salt Lake City, Utah. She also leaves behind sisters Sally Wallace (Bob) and Victoria Ashley of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; brother Al Ashley (Jeannie), Arlington, Wash.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by a daughter, Dorothy Heil; a sister, Kay Hardin-Hansen; and her parents, Austin Allen Ashley and Helen Louise (King) Ashley.

Helen attended grade school and high school in Butte, and attended Cottey College in Nevada, Mo. Following her studies at Cottey College, Helen was an active member of P.E.O. (a philanthropic organization that aims to celebrate, educate, and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations) for 58 years.

Helen and Don lived in Butte while Don was a student at Montana Tech and then moved to Columbia Falls. They lived in Delta, Utah from 1989-2002. They retired in Polson in 2002 and moved to Sun City, Ariz., in 2013. 

It was while living in Columbia Falls that Helen perfected her artistic talent as an accomplished watercolor artist. In 1999 Helen graduated from the Master of Arts Course, North Light Art School at Cincinnati University. In 2004 she became a Certified Instructor for teaching Encaustic Art, following her studies based in Wales, UK.

As a professional artist, she created more than 525 watercolor paintings and 750 encaustic paintings. Her art has been exhibited in galleries, museums, board rooms and juried art shows throughout the United States. All those who possess one of Helen’s paintings will always be reminded of Helen and her special talent.

A ceremony to honor Helen’s life will be held at a later date.

    Helen and Don McMillan