Helen Malone, 67

Helen Rene Tonsing/Malone, 67, of Mountain Home, died Thursday, April 13, 2006, at her home.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, April 18, at Grace Lutheran Church in Mountain Home. Inurnment followed at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home, Idaho

Helen was born in Twin Falls. Growing up, she lived in Chicago, Ill., Twin Falls, Rio Tinito, Nev.,and Anderson Dam, Idaho, retiring in Mountain Home.

She was a graduate of Mountain Home High School.

She married Loren "Tony" E. Tonsing and the family moved extensively all the years they were married. Their sons, Loren and Larry, were born in Dover, Del., their daughter, Susan, was born in Loveland, Colo. The couple divorced in 1972.

She later married Paul W. Malone in 1983. He died in 1986 and Helen never remarried.

Helen was an avid reader. "She loved her homecare children, her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren," her family said. "Her other loves were her dogs, cats, and horses, which over the years, she had many. Her joy of gardening and all her flowers meant a lot to her and brought her great joy."

Helen was employed by Hewlett Packard for 27 years. She started that career in Loveland, Colo., and was a line supervisor before retiring in 1998 in Boise.

Helen taught Sunday School for eight years and then was a helper for two years. She worked in the treats area several years at Bible School.

She was a Den Mother, a 4-H Leader and took her son, Loren, to rodeos and places where he won many ribbons on Sugar. She enjoyed attending Susan's track and field meets and Larry's baseball and football games.

She also was an active member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Mountain Home. She took her children, and then her granddaughter, to Lutheran confirmation classes. She watched them all be confirmed and baptized.

"Her 'coffees' at Geri Scott and LaRene Johnston's kept her hanging in there," her family said. " She was always there for her kids when they needed help."

Helen is survived by: a daughter, Susan Brooks, of Mountain Home' sons Larry and his wife, Raelena Tonsing, and Loren Tonsing, all of Loveland, Colo.; brothers Andy, Bob and Raymond McWhirter, all of California, and Doug McWhirter of Idaho; a sister, Esther Watts, of California; 15 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Malone, both parents, one brother and one grandson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Grace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 455, Mountain Home, Id 83647.