Helen Denny Bacon "Squasis" 75, our aunt, grandmother, friend and relative joined her father Sam and mother Ann (Swinging Girl Sandy) Denny in the Creator's gardens on Monday, February 22, 2016, at Missouri River Manor in Great Falls.

Helen was born on May 28, 1940 in Fort Belknap, Montana. She was raised in the Parker School area of Rocky Boy's Reservation. She was a fluent Cree speaker, and Cree was her primary language at home and in public.

Helen was raised in the traditional way. As a young girl, she danced in her buckskin dress, which is on display at the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls. Helen, her mother Ann and sister Jeanette Ann Denny were well known for their hide tanning. In her younger years, Helen enjoyed pow wows, hand games and the traditional way of life.

Helen met her partner in life Raymond Bacon and resided in Great Falls for many years. They opened their door often to friends and relatives and at times just to share a friendly visit. They were glad to have relatives stop by when they were in Great Falls. Helen and Raymond adopted and raised Verla Shirley. A few years after welcoming Verla to their family, they welcomed newborn, Starr Oxford into their hearts and their home as well.
Helen enjoyed her bingo for many, many years. She cherished the times her brother/nephew Robert and wife Louise Stump would come to Great Falls, getting to play bingo to no end at the Sailboat. Helen also enjoyed playing poker machines, reading the Globe, Enquirer, Star and True Confession magazines.

She was one to freely express her love for her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and many relatives. In her final months she would tell them often "I love you all." She was truly kind hearted and all who went to visit her would leave knowing her words were sincere.

Helen joins her father Sam, mother Ann (Swinging Girl Sandy) Denny, brothers Louie Denny, Richard Denny, Victor Denny, Lawrence Small, sisters Mamie Denny Stump, and Jeanette Ann Denny Stump. She will once again be able to hug her late nieces Linda Ann and Wilburta Denny, and her late grandsons Lloyd Lee Denny and Cody Trottier.

Helen is survived by immediate family: brother/nephew Robert (Louse) Stump, nephews Darrell "Juggie" (Irene) Denny, Bruce (Wanda) Denny, Alvin (Elaine) Denny, Ernest (Billie) Denny, Richard "Boy" Denny and Garren Denny, nieces Iris Buffalo, Ona (Robert Belcourt) Denny, June (Ray Gerhig) Denny, Ann Denny, Betty Jo Denny Spotted Horse, Debbie and Christine Denny, Annette Stump, Valarie "Penny" Denny, Sandy Coonfare, granddaughter Crystal Denny, adopted daughters Verla Shirley, Starr Oxford, Rose Doney. Helen remained close to nephews Bruce and Dean and niece Mona Eckblad. Special grandchildren included: Robert (Linda) Stump Jr., Heather, Bobby and Chancey Bradford, Wyoma (Billy) Denny and Dannette and Taylor Spotted Horse. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Peggy "Myo" Myers and Esther Spotted Wolf and close friend Cecelia Walking Child. Helen, for the last few years, was the only remaining grandmother on the Denny side to many, including grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, too numerous to mention individually. She was the youngest and last remaining child of the Sam Denny familly. Her relatives included the St. Marks, Billy, Parker, Mitchell, Standing Rock and Lodgepole families. If we left anyone out, it wasn't meant intentionally. She left her precious words "I love you" to each and every one whose lives she touched.

All of your calls, hugs, handshakes, contributions, and prayers for our aunt, grandmother, friend and relative are greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank Missouri River Manor staff and nurses Theresa Kelly, Jodi and Sarah and the 3rd & 4th wing for their compassion and care for our aunt Helen. "Aho".