Helen Marlene (Stanko) Byrtus, age 92, a resident of the Sheridan, Wyoming area her entire life, except for a brief period during WWII, passed away at her daughter’s home in Helena, Montana on November 6, 2008 following a short illness. She was surrounded and comforted by her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and great- grandchildren at the time of her death.

She was born March 20, 1916 in Carneyville, Wyoming, a short distance north of Sheridan. Helen was a very well educated lady. She attended Sheridan schools through high school. Upon her high school graduation she enrolled at the University of Nebraska and studied business. Following her graduation from college, she began work for the Veteran’s Administration where she worked until her retirement.

She was united in marriage to Michael John Byrtus, also a native of the Sheridan area, on November 3, 1940. Mike passed away on December 29, 1995 after 55 years of a happy, faith filled marriage. Helen and Mike had two beautiful children Helen Ann and Michael John Jr. They spent many wonderful years in their home in Sheridan.

Helen was a lifelong, devout member of Holy Name Catholic Church, sending both of her children to Holy Name Grade School. She was very active in sports, playing numerous rounds of golf and enjoying her first love, tennis. She and soon to be husband, Mike, both were Sheridan City Tennis Champions in 1933. As a writer so aptly wrote, “…and they had a match of their own - a love match…” She was one of the early members of the Sheridan Country Club, where she participated in and won numerous tournaments. She also competed several times in the Wyoming Women’s State Amateur Golf Championship. Helen enjoyed playing bridge and always looked forward to getting together for bridge games with her friends. She was a very talented bridge player.

Helen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Helen Ann (Byrtus) and Dean Roberts; grandchildren Mike (Jodi) Roberts, Dan (Chandra) Roberts, Joanne (Roberts) and Cory Steele, John (Tara) Roberts, Dean (Kristi) Roberts, Mark (Sarah) Roberts and Matthew Roberts. She was blessed with ten great grandchildren, Amanda, Allie, Paul, Katelynn, Alexis, Sydnie, Mason, Maverick, Maddox and Dean. She is also survived by her brother Henry and sister-in-law Carolyn Stanko of Casper Wyoming and sisters in law Betty Stanko of Gordon, Nebraska, Jean Byrtus of Sheridan, Etta Jean Byrtus of Casper and Stella (Byrtus) and brother-in-law Lee Coffman of Sunset, Utah. Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and her many wonderful friends.

Besides her husband Mike, she was preceded in death by her only son, Michael John, her brothers Rudy, Mike and Eddie Stanko and her parents Mike and Anna Stanko.

Helen will be deeply missed by her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her absence will be especially noted at the traditional Christmas Eve Polish feast of Wigilia , which she passed on to her daughter. Her strong Polish roots and traditions were so very important in her life. Her wit, wisdom and helping hand will be missed by her family and many in Sheridan and Poland.

The family would like to especially thank her brother Henry Stanko, Bill Phillips and Sam Green; also Sugarland Ridge of Sheridan, Rocky Mountain Care Center of Helena and all her special friends in Sheridan for their never ending concern, care and support.

Vigil service will be 7:00pm on Sunday (Nov. 9th) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral Mass to celebrate Helen’s life is scheduled at 10:00am on Monday from Holy Name Catholic Church. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Sheridan Country Club. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Family members ask that all donations be made to Holy Name Catholic Church, 260 E. Loucks St., Sheridan, WY 82801, in the name Mike and Helen Byrtus.

SheridanMedia.com - November 7, 2008