Helen Mavee Root

Our hearts are broken at the loss of the Matriarch of our family – the woman who loved us all unconditionally our entire lives, our beautiful Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother. She was 96 years old but very sharp, witty and a personality who lit up the room. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she constantly needed updates on everyone and everything happening in their lives. As we said our good-byes, her hospital room was filled with family, many tears, several laughs, but most importantly love. No words can express how much she will be missed. We are forever grateful and blessed that we had her for all of these years. We rejoice in knowing she is now with Dad.

Born January 17, 1929 she passed away after a brief illness on February 24, 2025. Helen was born on the family homestead in Okaton South Dakota to Roy and Mary Stotts and older brother Harold and sister Ada. Following Helen’s birth, Grace, Mary, Alice Mae, Roy, Lois, Carl and Pat joined the family.

After high school graduation in 1947 Helen went on to attend college and receive her teaching certification in Spearfish, South Dakota. She then taught in several, rural country schools throughout South Dakota.

EJ and Helen met after he returned home from the service and were married April 30, 1949. They lived in many, small South Dakota towns, following EJ’s work with the railroad and added their loving children: Gary, Marla and LuAnn to the family. They moved to Casper, WY in 1964 where they made their permanent home, until EJ’s retirement.

After EJ retired from the railroad, the two of them traveled extensively, spending many winters in Mesquite, NV, with dear friends, visiting Mexico, California, Las Vegas and many other warm, southwest destinations.

Their favorite summer destination was Pathfinder Lake where they shared their love of camping and fishing with their entire family. Countless family camping and fishing tournament weekends were spent together and are the fondest memories shared by friends and family.

Meeting her in Heaven are her parents, husband, sisters, brother Harold and her beloved grandson Michael. She is survived by her brothers Roy and Carl, children; Gary (Becky) Root, Marla (Dan) Elston and LuAnn (Fred) Trujillo, 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Per her request, there will be no services. She will be interned with her husband at the Oregon Trail Veteran’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels. The family wishes to thank Meals on Wheels and the staff at Banner Health for their compassionate care.