Helen Isabel Larson

Helen Isabel Larson, 77, of Caldwell, passed away unexpectedly at her home on October 3. Helen is survived by daughters Leslie Larson (Joe Anderson) of Genesee, and Laura Wilder (Steve) of Meridian; stepsons Randy Hickman (Pat), Marshall Hickman (Linda), Mark Hickman, and their families; grandchildren Gene Fairbrother of Hailey, and Amanda Wilder and Brett Wilder of Meridian; sister Jan Lantz of Caldwell, aunt Josephine Rosdahl of Caldwell, numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, and her faithful dog Gretchen. Born in Caldwell on January 6, 1938, Helen was a life-long resident of Canyon County. The daughter of Dallas (Dal) and Dorothy Combs Whiffin, she was lucky to grow up on the ranch homesteaded by her family in 1873 along the Boise River. She attended Franklin School through 8th grade and then Nampa High School where she played the tenor saxophone in band. She was an active 4-H member, loved horses and showing her Hereford cattle. She cherished her many life-long school friends and helped plan class reunions. Helen attended the College of Idaho for one year where she met Gene Arthur Larson in archery class. They married later that year on October 20, 1957. Together they raised cattle, crops, and daughters Leslie and Laura on a farm near the homestead. Gene passed away on June 5, 1989, after 31 years of marriage. She married long-time friend Lee Elton Hickman on July 16, 1995. She was widowed again when Elton died on July 27, 2004. She was blessed to have two such incredible men in her life. In 1990, Helen received recognition from the State of Idaho for an Idaho Century Farm and from the Idaho Cattle Association for a Century Ranch. She was certified by the Idaho Historical Society as an “Idaho Pioneer”. As the girls started school, she worked as a teacher’s aide at Franklin, Marble Front and East Canyon Elementary Schools. Later she was the Canyon County Fair secretary for several years, and then a secretary for the Canyon County Extension Office for 21 years. Helen loved 4-H and FFA and helping provide opportunities for youth. She was a 4-H leader for 50 years, and has supported many 4-H and FFA endeavors over the years, especially enjoying those activities with her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Meridian FFA Alumni Chapter. As a 4-H leader she was a caring and positive role model who spent hundreds of hours helping her members become successful. Helen was a devoted chaperone, accompanying youth to county, district and state level events. She encouraged many of her members to attend National 4-H Congress and Conference. Helen was an active member of Canyon County 4-H Leader’s Council and attended many State and Western Regional Leaders Forums. In 1985 Helen received Canyon County’s first 4-H Distinguished Service Award, was inducted into the Idaho 4-H Hall of Fame in 2008, and was recognized as part of an Idaho 4-H Century Family in 2012 with four generations of her family being involved in 4-H. She was also selected as the Grand Marshal for the Meridian Dairy Days Parade in 2006. In addition, Helen was a member of the Boise Valley CowBelles, also serving as state secretary and parliamentarian, and a member of the Idaho Cattle Association; Idaho P.E.O. Chapter BY; president of the Franklin Ditch Company for many years; and was completing her third term as a commissioner for the Boise Valley Flood Control District. She was an active member of the Franklin Community Church where she served as a board member and treasurer; and also worked on a Canyon County Election Board as a volunteer and then as head judge for many years. Helen was a talented seamstress and loved sewing and quilting. She was also a gifted artist and especially enjoyed oil painting. Flowers and gardening were a favorite hobby and great joy, along with reading and being involved with her book club. She loved Idaho history and maintained historical family records. She was known and admired for her immaculate record keeping and organizational skills. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, a pillar of strength for her family and inspiration to many. She will be greatly missed, yet her impact will be long felt. The family suggests memorials to any of the following which were all near and dear to Helen: Canyon County 4-H Endowment 501 Main Street Caldwell, ID 83605 Idaho FFA Foundation PO Box 870 Meridian, ID 83680 Franklin Community Church PO Box 283 Nampa, ID 83653 There is a visitation on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Flahiff Funeral Chapel, 624 Cleveland Blvd. in Caldwell. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church at 824 E. Logan Street in Caldwell with burial to follow at the Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell. Condolences may be left at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com. Service Information