Helen B. Rowe

Helen Bell (Neuhold) Rowe was born on New Year's Day, January 1, 1945, in Lamar, Colorado, to Fred Albert and Cleo Bell (Lawrence) Neuhold. She peacefully passed away at the age of 81 on July 15, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by generations of the family she loved. Per Helen's request, she was cremated. She wished for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to receive a small portion of her ashes to hold close. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Growing up in the small farming community of Prowers County, Helen learned the values of hard work, faith, family, and resilience—principles that would guide every chapter of her life. She loved sharing the story of being the first baby born in Prowers County in 1945, even taking her children to the local museum to see the newspaper clipping. She graduated high school and chose to attend York Christian College in York, Nebraska, before returning to Colorado and starting her life. Helen stayed in Colorado until 2004 when her health began to decline and she needed more support. She then moved to Gibbon, Nebraska to live with her eldest son, Troy, who cared for her until 2015. She then moved to Virginia with her daughter Belinda and family when her health needs became more complex. Helen enjoyed eight years here before returning to Gibbon, Nebraska to live with her daughter Anna and family. She invited her children and family to visit often while enjoying her final years; these visits brought her profound joy. Helen found her forever love when she married John "Johnny" Rowe on September 10, 1965. Together they raised Johnny's daughter, Brenda Rowe, before welcoming two children of their own. They began building a life filled with love and hope for the future. Their love story was tragically cut short, however, when Johnny lost his life in a plane crash while piloting his aircraft in 1975, leaving Helen widowed at a young age. Though faced with unimaginable grief, Helen met the years that followed with extraordinary strength, resilience, and determination as she continued raising her family. Helen possessed an impeccable work ethic. She never hesitated to do whatever was necessary to care for those she loved. Throughout her life she worked a variety of jobs, including construction as a flagger and pilot car driver and even a seasonal tax assistant at H&R Block. Later, she spent many years working the overnight shift at the Cow Palace, and other motels. Over the years, Helen became the proud mother to a total of six children. The first, Pam (1968) and Troy (1971), then Belinda (1976) and Anna (1977), then her babies Rosa (1981) and Craig (1983). One thing remained constant through each season of life: her determination to provide for her children. Each child remembers a different chapter of their mom's life, but together those memories paint the picture of a woman whose love was often shown through action rather than words. She shared her love of the outdoors with her children through hunting and fishing, planting a passion for nature that many would later share with their own children. Just as she passed down her love of the outdoors, Helen also passed down a deep appreciation for animals. She sought out zoos of every kind, creating a family tradition she continued in each new generation. Anyone who knew Helen knew she had a gift for making things grow. Whether it was a sprawling vegetable garden, vibrant flowers, or a single houseplant, everything seemed to flourish under her care. Gardening wasn't simply a hobby—it was one of her greatest joys. Her yard was never just for plants. Birds always found a safe place, and Helen found endless joy in simply sitting back and admiring their beauty. Helen also enjoyed crocheting any and all things, but especially blankets. One of Helen's proudest gifts was making crochet blankets for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her hobbies did not end there, she loved essential oils, jewelry making, baking, and spending countless hours playing online games. Her musical tastes ranged from cherished gospel hymns, country that connected her to her roots, to silly children's songs that could make an entire room laugh. Helen wasn't one to blindly follow the crowd. She often challenged conventional wisdom, especially when it came to health, believing strongly in natural remedies and alternative approaches. Not many believed as strongly as she did in their effectiveness, but maybe she was on to something. After all, nearly twenty years after being told her declining lungs, kidneys, heart, COPD, and diabetes meant her days were numbered, she continued proving expectations wrong. Helen wasn't poetic—she was practical, blunt, and believed in people's potential. Helen was never shy about sharing what she thought, but beneath her strong opinions was a heart that cared deeply for others. She beamed with pride to finally have the means to extend that compassion to children and families she will never meet. She faithfully supported organizations including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Feed the Children, and The Baddour Center. As the years passed, Helen discovered that each new season of life brought a title she cherished even more than the last. Mom became Grandma, Grandma became Great-Grandma, and eventually simply "GG". In her last days, she found comfort in being surrounded by the love of her family, and the joy of creating memories with the youngest of generations. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, John "Johnny" Rowe; her stepdaughter, Brenda Rowe; her sister, Anna May Neuhold; brothers Lawrence, Alfred, Fred Neuhold. She is survived by her children: Pamela VanMatre; Troy Rowe; Belinda (Philemon) Pantoja; Anna (Trent) High; Rosa (Justin) Colby; and Craig (Eventine) Rowe. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Denice Quintana, Kristen Pokharel, Aubrey High, Allie High, Ashley Pantoja, Lexus McCord, Tanner Rowe, Diego Pantoja, Zachariah Rowe, Rayce Colby, and Isabelle Rowe, along with her beloved great-grandchildren: Haven, Trinidie, Dayzriana, Aleeya, Katriel, Nuriah, Zadyn, and Zylo. Helen is also survived by her siblings Joe, Daniel, Alice, and Henry Neuhold, along with countless nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who knew her sharp wit, stubborn determination, and generous heart. Helen's legacy isn't measured by the years she lived, but by the lives she nurtured, the gardens she grew, the blankets she stitched, the birds she fed, and the generations of family she loved.

Helen B. Rowe

January 1, 1945 - July 15, 2026