Helen May Chatfield, 93

Helen May Chatfield, 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on March 23, 2020, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Helen was born May 3, 1926, in Lane, Idaho, to John and Mildred (Bouchard) Strobel.

Helen graduated in 1944 from Rose Lake High School, in a graduating class of three. She was married in 1944 to Raymond Chatfield. Shortly after getting married, Helen’s husband was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, for basic training. Helen and her two friends traveled to see their spouses in Texas at 35 miles per hour. It was a seven-day journey, and her adventurous side blossomed. She learned what a “Damned Northerner” was (a storm) and broadened her horizons far away from home.

Helen was a walking history book. She lived in Coeur d’Alene River Valley for nearly 60 years before moving to Coeur d’Alene. She experienced many major floods and was an enthusiast of nature. She loved watching waterfowl migrate and spent many summers in this valley as a logging camp cook. One summer she cooked at her husband’s Ohio Match Logging Camp, located at Yellow Dog Creek. At this camp a rogue bear lumbered in looking for food. Helen sequestered her kids in the bunkhouse and went outside. She slapped the bear on the head and he abruptly ran out of camp! She was a fearless woman.

Helen and Raymond had four children, all boys: Ray, Gary, Dick and Steve. She busily raised them, and she was a fabulous homemaker. She had beautiful flower gardens, an impeccable vegetable garden, and was a master at sewing and handiwork. She was a great cook and baker, so nobody went to sleep hungry. Helen was also a social magnet in the Rose Lake area. Many moms congregated at her home for coffee and conversation after dropping their kids off at school.

Helen loved to play pinochle (“partners,” not racehorse) and was considered the “Queen” of her pinochle club. She was the lady everyone wanted to beat. She also was a very good bowler and enjoyed golfing and walking.

Helen loved and cherished her family. Gatherings were punctuated by laughs, especially when her sister, Betty, visited. Her home had a revolving door for friends, and she was never alone.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her parents John and Mildred; her siblings Walt, Willy, Betty and Jack; and her son, Gary and his wife, Marcia.

Helen is survived by her sons Ray (Gail) of Cataldo, Dick (Judy) of Hayden Lake and Steve (Robin) of Coeur d’Alene. She leaves seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and her first cousin, Larry (Sharon) Strobel.

The family wished to thank Hospice of North Idaho and nieces Candy and Robin, for their love, care and support of Helen in her time of need. Additionally, we thank niece, Gina, for her numerous years of amazing in-home care for Aunt Helen. And, Lori, we are grateful for your gentle care-giving and love for Helen.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family asks that memorial donations be made directly to Rose Lake Historical Society, 14917 South Queen St., Cataldo, ID, 83810.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Helen’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign her guest book.