"We send our condolences to the members of Helen's family. We became acquainted during the Whitmus' time at Asbury. Helen had a wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed by all who knew her. Merle and Marjorie Bengston."
In loving memory of
Helen E. Whitmus
October 15, 1934 - August 5, 2020
A celebration of life Memorial Service for Helen E. Whitmus will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Wellspring United Methodist Church, 5702 South Hill Drive in Madison. Nearly a year ago on August 5, 2020, Helen passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice Inpatient Unit in Fitchburg. Unfortunately, COVID-19 precluded her family from holding a Memorial Service any earlier.
The family extends to you an invitation to attend this celebration. If you are unable to attend, we understand and ask you to take a minute or two, in your own way, to pause and remember Helen. Maybe you have a special memory, past interaction, or special story. May it bring a smile to your face.
Wellspring is following CDC guidelines with COVID-19. For fully vaccinated folks, the use of a mask is optional. If you are not fully vaccinated, please wear a mask and practice social distancing while inside the church. Hand sanitizer will be available.
Madison- Helen E. Whitmus, age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Agrace Hospice Inpatient Unit in Fitchburg. She was born in Butte, Montana on October 15, 1934, the daughter of Frank and Erma Birmingham. Helen graduated from Butte High School Class of 1953. On September 10, 1961 Helen married the love of her life, William R. Whitmus in Wolf Point, Montana. They were one month and 5 days away from celebrating their 59 wedding anniversary. William blessed Helen with the ability to stay at home and raise their son, Wade, prior to returning to the workforce, she cherished the time spent with her son. Helen worked as a Clerk at the City of Wolf Point for three years, and then as a Deputy at Roosevelt Country Treasurers Office in Wolf Point, Montana for 19 years before retiring. In 2002 Helen and William moved to Madison. They attended the Wellspring United Methodist Church in Madison. Helen was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Degree of Honor (local and State President in Montana), United Methodist Women, DeMolay Mother, and Den 5 Cub Scout Leader. She enjoyed coloring, especially flowers and butterflies, watching her granddaughter Shannon grow up and attending her various events and sporting activities, whist card games, visiting friends, and especially caring for family. Regularly attending church worship services was important to Helen but harder the last couple of years due to her declining health. She held a special joy to serve the church being the lead Communion Steward. Helen had a long and valiant battle with cancer, starting with chronic leukemia in July 1988 and adding stomach cancer in November 2019. She recently shared, "I am a tough old bird, but my feathers are getting tattered." Helen loved her immediate family dearly. They were her focus and importance in life. Helen will be missed and is lovingly survived by her husband of 59 years, William; son, Wade (Shelley) Whitmus; granddaughter, Shannon Whitmus; niece, Marlys (Bill) Van Kleef; nephews, Frank (Mary) Wiers and Kenneth (Claryce) Wiers; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; cousin, Erma Bryson; many extended family members; and dear friends in Madison and across Montana. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mary Murray and Lois Wiers; brother-in-law, Walter Wiers; and in-laws, Frank and Marjorie Whitmus. A celebration of Helen's life will be held with date and time to be announced. Final internment will be in Wolf Point, Montana. Even though Helen spent nearly two decades in Wisconsin, she was a "Montana Girl" at heart. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare Inc. or Wellspring UMC Women in Madison, Wisconsin. The Family extends a warm special thank you to Dr. Sanyal and Dr. Daley and their staff, and Agrace HospiceCare for lovingly caring for Helen. Please share your memories of Helen by posting Tributes.
Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives
3325 E. Washington Avenue, Madison
(608) 249-6758
Tributes
"Helen was such a wonderful, classy lady! I am so privileged to have had her in my life. Her sense of humor was so refreshing. She also had a professional way about her and always made sure everything had to be correct with her (paper trail). I will miss our phone conversations so much! I regret not being able to go visit her in Madison, but her memory will live on forever in my mind. Our deepest sympathy to Bill, her loving husband that was always by her side, and her son, Wade and daughter-in-law Shelley and granddaughter, Shannon. Thoughts and prayers! Carla and Roger Hunsley and family"
"Helen's light in this world lives on in our memories of her gentle, sweet spirit. Our prayers are with you, Bill, and the family as you navigate your grief and celebrate her wonderful life. Blessings, Barbara & Dan Dick"
"Bill, Wade, Shelley, and Shannon: Words can't express how sad we are to hear of Helen's passing. What an amazing woman she was and we are so blessed to have known her. Working in the treasurer's office with her was such a good learning experience and she was always kind (and firm when she needed to be) to everyone. Loved her smile and her laugh - can picture her walking through all those crazy vault doors we had! And little Helen manhandling those gigantic ledgers we used to record transactions in...Such wonderful memories! Who can help but smile when thinking of Helen?! Our sympathy and prayers are with you as she will be so very missed. Peace of Christ to you all - Mike and Kathy Manders "