Helen May Chatfield, 93

Helen May Chatfield, 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on March 23, 2020, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Helen was born May 3, 1926 in Lane, Idaho to John and Mildred (Bouchard) Strobel.

Helen graduated in 1944 from Rose Lake High School in a graduating class of three. She was married in 1944 to Raymond Chatfield. Shortly after getting married, Helen’s husband was drafted into the U. S. Army and stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, for basic training. Helen and her two friends traveled to see their spouses in Texas at thirty-five miles per hour. It was a seven-day journey, and her adventurous side blossomed. She learned what a “Damned Northerner” was (a storm) and broadened her horizons far away from home.

Helen was a walking history book. She lived in Coeur d’Alene River Valley for nearly sixty years before moving to Coeur d’Alene. She experienced many major floods and was an enthusiast of nature. She loved watching waterfowl migrate and spent many summers in this valley as a logging camp cook. One summer she cooked at her husband’s Ohio Match Logging Camp, located at Yellow Dog Creek. At this camp a rogue bear lumbered in looking for food. Helen sequestered her kids in the bunkhouse and went outside. She slapped the bear on the head and he abruptly ran out of camp! She was a fearless woman.

Helen and Raymond had four children, all boys: Ray, Gary, Dick and Steve. She busily raised them, and was a fabulous homemaker. She had beautiful flower gardens, an impeccable vegetable garden, and was a master at sewing and handwork. She was a great cook and baker, so nobody went to sleep hungry. Helen was also a social magnet in the Rose Lake area. Many moms congregated at her home for coffee and conversation after dropping their kids off at school.

Helen loved to play Pinochle (“partners ”- not racehorse”) and was considered the “Queen” of her Pinochle club. She was the lady everyone wanted to beat. She also was a very good bowler and enjoyed golfing and walking.

Helen loved and cherished her family. Gatherings were punctuated by laughs, especially when her sister Betty visited. Her home had a revolving door for friends, and she was never alone.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, her parents John and Mildred, her siblings Walt, Willy, Betty and Jack and her son Gary and his wife Marcia.

Helen is survived by her sons: Ray (Gail) of Cataldo, Dick (Judy) of Hayden Lake, and Steve (Robin) of Coeur d’Alene. She leaves seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and her first cousins Larry (Sharon) Strobel.

The family wished to thank Hospice of North Idaho and nieces Candy and Robin, for their love, care and support of Helen in her time of need. Additionally, we thank niece Gina for her numerous years of amazing in-home care for Aunt Helen. And, Lori, we are grateful for your gentle care-giving and love for Helen.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family asks that memorial donations be made directly to: Rose Lake Historical Society, 14917 South Queen Street, Cataldo, ID, 83810.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Helen’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign her guest book.