Helen Elizabeth Green

Helen Elizabeth Bland was born on May 17, 1932, on the family farm outside of Vilas, Colorado, to Ralph and Beryl (Bewley) Bland. The second of five children, she grew up learning the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of family. Her love for the land and her deep connection to her roots would remain a defining feature of her life.

As a young woman, Helen moved to Oklahoma, where she met Orval Allen Hiner. The couple married on April 19, 1951, in Clayton, New Mexico, and built a life together. They had two daughters: Cathryn Raycene, born May 22, 1952, and Louella “Kay,” born January 9, 1954. Tragically, Orval passed away on July 15, 1970, when their daughters were 18 and 16. Helen, a strong and loving mother, handled this loss with grace, despite the hardships she faced.

In 1972, Helen married Glen Green on March 4. Glen became a beloved part of the family, but sadly, he passed away on February 6, 1978, just six years after their marriage. Helen, ever resilient, coped with her loss while finding joy in her personal interests and passions.

Helen later married Roy Reeves in 1981, but this marriage ended in divorce in 1988. Throughout these changes, her ability to navigate life's challenges remained unwavering.

Helen never remarried after the divorce but she did spend time with Bill Greathouse. She had known Bill since she was a youngster. Their relationship deepened over the years, growing very close over the last two decades. It was clear that they loved each other very much.

Helen was known for her many talents and interests. An avid reader, she had a particular love for non-fiction, especially true crime stories. She was also skilled in sewing and crocheting, creating many cherished items for her family and friends. Social by nature, Helen enjoyed chatting and visiting with friends, and she had a gift for storytelling that entertained all who knew her. Her Reuben sandwiches were a family favorite, and her knowledge of cars was nothing short of remarkable—Helen could identify the year, make, and model of nearly any vehicle she encountered. She was especially proud of her 1976 Ford F150 pickup, which she drove for nearly 50 years. Helen also lived in the same home for 65 years, creating a lasting legacy in her community.

Helen passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 10, 2024, in Springfield, Colorado, at the age of 92. She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy Medley of Cortez, CO, and Kay Dorsey and husband Ray of Kenai, AK; her grandchildren, Amy (Medley) Strunk and husband Leif of Springfield, CO, Heather (Medley) Hamilton and husband John of Cortez, CO, Lisa (Medley) Salzbrenner and husband JR (James) of Cortez, CO, Julie (Dorsey) Craig and husband Jason of Soldotna, AK, and James “Erik” Dorsey of Kenai, AK; and her great-grandchildren, Brody Strunk of Leipzig, Germany, Spencer Strunk of Pueblo, CO, Conner Salzbrenner and Taylor Salzbrenner of Cortez, CO, Jasmyn Foust of Kenai, AK, Austin Craig and wife, Aurora, of Anchorage, AK, Tanner Craig of Phoenix, AZ, Logan Craig of Soldotna, AK, and Tehya Craig of Sterling, AK. She was also blessed with a great-great-granddaughter, Lilith Elouise (Jasmyn) of Kenai, AK. In addition, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Beryl (Bewley) Bland; her first husband, Orval Hiner; her second husband, Glen Green; her grandson, Jeffrey Allen Dorsey; her brothers, Alden Bland, Harold Bland, and Larry Bland; her sister, Linda Bland; her son-in-law, Ron Medley; and her dearest friend and companion, Bill Greathouse.

Helen’s life was one of strength and resilience. Her family and friends will forever remember her for her unwavering devotion, her wit, her stories, and the love she gave to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a Memorial Contribution to Southeast Colorado Hospital District, 373 E. 10th Avenue, Springfield, CO 81073. Please indicate “Helen Green Memorial Fund – The Cottage” on any contribution.