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Helen Gillespie Doty lived eighty-one beautiful years, and passed on
peacefully in her son’s home on July 17, 2007. Born to Paul and
Helen Gillespie on March 6, 1926 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the family
moved to Little Falls, Minnesota before settling in Missoula,
Montana in 1937.
 Helen
cherished her growing-up years with her only sibling, Dale, and
often recounted many tender stories of their childhood together. An
avid horse lover, she regularly shared long bareback rides with her
friends up Pattee Canyon on her favorite steed, Tonka. Helen
frequently remarked how blessed she felt to have the same best
friends from the sixth grade, and no one ever had a better friend
than Helen. She poured herself into every relationship, having the
amazing ability to convince each friend and family member they were
supremely important and genuinely loved. On par with her warm
personality was Helen’s eager pursuit of learning and loyal devotion
to her family. After graduating from Hellgate High in 1944, she
earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Microbiology in 1948 from
the University of Montana. Halfway through her graduate work at the
University of Minnesota, she married Jack Doty on September 3, 1949.
Faithfully and selflessly, Helen then devoted her time and skills to
helping him earn his Master’s Degree and PhD. Commendations for her
proficient editing and typing of Jack’s innumerable papers were
words of praise she always deferred to her husband. Supportive in
every way, Helen was the epitome of a helpmeet and a dedicated
mother to her sons. The four men have nothing but admiration for her
continual nurturing, patience, and encouragement, as she was often
alone in raising them while Jack taught aboard. Helen loved people.
She treasured her membership in various groups, serving others with
a warm and welcoming spirit, and interacting gracefully with diverse
cultures. Outgoing and organized, Helen found herself involved in a
myriad of societies and associations. President of her sorority,
Kappa Alpha Theta, she was also the beloved “Little Sister” of Sigma
Chi. In addition to being active in her local P.E.O. chapter, Helen
enjoyed the intellectual stimulation of her As You Like It group,
the pleasure of her bridge club, and the fellowship of her Hippie
Moms meetings. Helen was also a longstanding member of the Episcopal
Church of the Holy Spirit. Tutored by a professional French Chef,
Helen had the remarkable ability to transform even cheese and
crackers into a gourmet experience. Her gift of hospitality extended
around the globe with stays in Ethiopia, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, and
Botswana. Helen entertained and blessed countless new friends and
acquaintances during Jack’s employment with various overseas
universities, causing their time abroad to be not only educational,
but also delightful. Helen’s final years were spent in Polson,
Montana where she lived with her son, John and his family who were
profoundly blessed to enjoy her beautiful smile and sweet spirit
each day. She quickly became an integral and important part of their
daily lives. Helen took on a deeper appreciation for prayer in her
last days, confessed faith in Jesus Christ as her savior, and fell
peacefully to sleep with the assurance of where she would awaken.
Helen is preceded in death by: her husband Jack, brother Dale,
parents Paul & Helen, and a grandson Seth. Helen is survived by four
sons: Chip of Missoula; Paul (& Tina) of Denver, Colorado; Mark (&
Laura) of Corvallis; John (& Connie) of Polson; eight grandchildren;
brother-in-law Bill Doty of Palm Springs, California; sister-in-law
Joan Gillespie of Missoula; and many beloved friends. A memorial
service will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 130
South 6th East, Missoula, Montana. Condolences may be sent to the
family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
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