Helen LorRayne Davison Higgins

Helen LorRayne Davison Higgins

Helen LorRayne Davison Higgins died peacefully surrounded by her loving family in Missoula, Montana on December 18, 2024. Helen had just celebrated her 89th birthday with flowers, steak and shrimp, and her favorite cocktail, scotch and soda with a lemon twist. Helen had been in hospice care in Missoula since March 2024, but was a lifetime resident of Teton County. 

Helen was born on December 11, 1935 in Great Falls, Montana to Robert Eugene Davison and Laurette Lorayne Schleucher Davison of Bole, Montana. Four and one half years later a sister, Judith Ann was born. A few years after Helen’s birth, the family moved to a ranch situated between Deep Creek and the Teton River on the outskirts of Choteau, MT. Helen loved the family ranch. The ranch brought her so much joy and peace while growing up and then again in retirement. 

Helen attended Choteau public schools and graduated from high school in 1954. She then attended the University of Denver graduating in 1959 with a degree in microbiology. After enrolling in a two-year course for medical records certification, Helen became a certified medical records technician in 1974. She spent most of her professional career managing the Medical Records Department at Teton Medical Center in Choteau. She retired after 27 years of service.

On March 28, 1969, Helen and George Howard Higgins were married. George and Helen lived in town for 20 years, and raised their only son, Skip. Helen and George spent those years as many parents do, following their son and his friends/teammates around Montana as they competed in various sports and school events. Helen cherished and spoke fondly of the years they attended football and basketball games, and track and swimming meets. They logged thousands of miles with their family and friends.

In 1989 Helen and George retired and moved to the family ranch shortly after Laurette died. They embraced that lifestyle again; it was as if they had ‘come home’. Helen was especially happy during the spring when the hillsides and fields were green and the newborn calves, birds and wild animals were running around.

Helen was blessed to serve in several community organizations. She was a 50-year member of Fidelity and Olive Chapters Order of the Eastern Star, a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #6 and Trinity Lutheran Church. She served as parish secretary for 10 years, a position that her mom, Laurette, had also held for many years. Over the years she served on hospital and church committees, school parent committees, swim parent club and helped her husband with his numerous community endeavors.

Helen’s greatest joy was her family and their accomplishments. She and George once again traveled the state of MT to watch their grandsons, Casey and Kyle, play hockey and soccer. Helen often talked proudly of the boy's accomplishments and accolades and especially enjoyed getting to know the hockey and soccer community.

Surviving Helen is a son Fredrick William ‘Skip’ Higgins (Betty) of Missoula, Montana; a special nephew Robert Arnold Bunn (Cynthia) of Mesa, Arizona; stepdaughters Holli Ann Higgins of Chandler, Arizona; Beth Ann Higgins McCoy (Garth) of Coutts, Albert, Canada. Grandchildren are: Casey and Kyle Higgins; Quentin and Olin Bunn, Cory Cebulla and Traci Cebulla Brock; Kevin McCoy, Janene McCoy Roark, Jordan McCoy and Kayla McCoy Borg. 

Memorials are suggested to Benefis Teton Medical Center Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church or charity of the donor’s choice.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for March 8, 2024 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau. A reception will be held in the church dining room following the service. A private scattering of ashes will take place at the family ranch. Condolences can be made online at justcreamtionmt.com/obituaries.

A special thank you to Hestia Hospice Care in Missoula. They are true Angels.