Helen A. Willman

January 13, 1921 - June 24, 2014

Helen Kumelos Willman Helen Kumelos Willman, 93, died Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at Heritage Estates in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Colyer Funeral Home Chapel in Torrington with Pastor Brian Kroeger officiating. Burial will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Torrington. Casket will be open prior to services. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to contribute may do so, in Helen’s name, to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of their choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home and friends may leave condolences for the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com . Helen was born January 13, 1921, in North Platte, Nebraska the second daughter of James and Blanche (Vinar) Kumelos. When she was a year old, the family moved to their homestead near Huntley, Wyoming, where Helen grew up and attended Huntley School. During those years, she lived the life of many young girls and women in that area. She worked in the fields, milked cows and did house work and cooking. It was not an easy life as anyone from that era can attest to, but she carried her share of the burden. Following graduation from high school in 1939, she worked on the farm and also attended work experience classes sponsored by NYA, a government program to assist young people in learning employment skills. In 1943, she moved to Denver, Colorado where she worked in the Remington Artillery Plant, making ammunition for the Army in World War II. When the war ended, she attended Business College and later went to work for Safeway Stores in the payroll division. Helen retired in 1986 and resided in Lakewood, Colorado. In March of 2010 she moved to the Village at Regional West in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Helen loved to dance, bowl, socialize, travel, cook, and spend time with her extended family of siblings, nieces, nephews, and her husband’s family. She traveled to Alaska, Greece, and most of the United States. Helen faced several challenges in her life, including two bouts with cancer. She always managed to deal with negative circumstances and move on. She was always generous to others, often helping them financially, even when it meant she had to sacrifice. Survivors include one brother Laddie Kumelos of Bakersfield, CA and ten nieces and nephews. She especially appreciated the support of her husband’s relatives, Harold Willman, Susan Schneider, and Jane Brown. Also nieces Ginger McMeekin and Denise Ellis and their families, all of whom were instrumental in helping her adjust to life in Scottsbluff. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Elmer Willman; sister Fern Jones; two brothers, Dennis and Robert “Bob” Kumelos.