Helen Birch

Helen A. Birch, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in Chubbuck, Idaho. Helen was born on Spetember 13, 1929 in Tetonia, Teton County, Idaho; the fifth and last child to Libbie Neibaur and Guy M. Andersen, preceding her in death. Also preceding her in death are one sister, Delila Andersen Higbee (Floyd) and three brothers; Ray James Andersen (Esther, Earl Peter Andersen, and Richard Grant Andersen (Berneice).

School began in Sugar City, Idaho, and concluded with 12th grade in Rexburg, Idaho, at Madison High School.

She married Robert L. Birch on May 19, 1947 and they had 2 beloved children, Dorothy Jean, in 1949 (deceased 1998) and Rickie Lynn in July, 1951. They raised their two children in Mack's Inn, Idaho at the old Flatrock Guard Station, Bob working for the U.S. Forest Service. Work for Helen during those years included District Clerk for the Forest Service's Island Park Ranger District; Postmaster-sub and Idaho State Liquor Store clerk at Mack's Inn.

Divorced in 1981, Helen worked for several years as Nursing Secretary/Ward Clerk at hospitals in Arizona and Utah, returning to Idaho to work for the Idaho Department of Water Resources in Boise, retiring in 1995. She moved to Pocatello, Idaho in 1998.

Surviving are son Rick (Marie) and their children; Stephanie Harris (Bryan) and Erick (Maryellen) both of Pocatello. Also surviving are Dorothy's son Jeremy Baker of Boise (Missy) and her former husband, James R. Baker.

Helen's last years were spent as a resident of Cottonwood Cover Retirement Center in Pocatello. Helen was a Christian in her faith. As per her wishes she will be cremated and laid to rest in the Teton-Newdale Cemetery beside a stillborn baby daughter (March, 1948). Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the Teton-Newdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her name to the Blazing Grace Church 191 Jefferson Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83201.

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