July 26, 1941 – October 30, 2026
Marie Helton, 85, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Galveston, TX, she moved as a young child with her family to Antler, North Dakota. As the eldest of six children, Marie grew up working and playing on the family farm, developing a strong work ethic and a lifelong love for the outdoors. She attended a one-room schoolhouse through the 8th grade, then continued to Antler High School to complete her secondary education. After accelerating her studies, she graduated high school at the age of 16, and having big ambitions to be an airline stewardess, Marie soon headed to Minneapolis to pursue that dream. After only one year, however, she learned that her 5’10” frame exceeded the era’s strict height limits for the position.
She redirected her journey to Denver, Colorado, where she met the love of her life, Bob Helton. They were married on January 27, 1962, on a freezing North Dakota night, with many hardy friends and neighbors in attendance. Early on, Marie worked as a bank teller while Bob built a career in residential construction. In 1964, the couple settled in Colorado Springs to raise their five children. Marie was a dedicated homemaker who also managed the financial books for Bob’s growing business. Family was always her highest priority, and she spent many, many hours helping with her kids’ classroom parties, sewing costumes, uniforms, etc. for their various activities, driving to and from lessons and practices, and attending games, plays and concerts in support of their endeavors. Together with their family, Bob and Marie enjoyed countless camping weekends and trips to various states. This love of travel continued after their children left home. Over the years they traveled to 49 of 50 states, loving every moment, discovering new places and spending time with friends and family along the way.
Marie was a talented artist and musician. She played piano and sang beautifully – adding her lovely voice to at least three church choirs, and performing many solos, duets, and trios in her younger days. As an artist, she was expert at designing and carving jack-o-lanterns and dying Easter eggs. Even her doodles were fantastic! Through the years, she also found time to join several bowling leagues, where she made many treasured friends. She brought creativity and warmth to everything she did, and her legacy of kindness, devotion, strength and creativity will endure forever.
Marie is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Bob, and her children: Terri SanNicolas (Glenn), of Palmer Lake; Kelly Bryant (Ken) of Monument; Brad Helton (Nancy), of Calhan; and Brian Helton (Christy), of Colorado Springs; 14 adored grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Marilyn Goodenough (Troy), Carol Williams (Steve), Don Bergstrom (Elaine), and Stan Bergstrom. She was preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Jill, as well as by her parents, Oliver and Nellie Bergstrom; her brother, Billy Bergstrom; and many other dear friends and loved ones.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 4925 Farmingdale Drive in Colorado Springs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.