Helen Burt

Helen W. Burt, 92, died Feb. 21, 2024, in Billings.

She was born Nov. 16, 1931, to Oliver and Viola (Johnson) Montgomery. She was later joined by sisters Lona Lee and Jeanie. She spoke often of her wonderful childhood memories growing up in Wolf Point. She attended school in Wolf Point where she enjoyed playing the French horn and trumpet in the pep and marching band and singing in the high school choir. She loved anything involving music including dancing.

During her junior year of high school in 1948, she was chosen as the Wolf Point delegate to attend the first-ever Montana Girls State at Rocky Mountain College. She also helped put on the 50th anniversary in 1998. While in high school, she caught the eye of Jim Burt. She attended one year of college at Jamestown, N.D., before returning to him in Wolf Point. They married on Sept. 16, 1950, and spent almost 60 years together until his death in 2010. They had five sons and one daughter, Rick, Dave, Terry, Jerry, Bob and Marilyn.

In Wolf Point, she worked for Mountain State Telephone as a telephone operator and then as a secretary for Montana-Dakota Utilities. In 1961, they moved to Nashua with their four older boys after purchasing the grocery store in partnership with Jim’s parents, Walt and Jo Burt. They named the new store B& B Foods and made it a successful business by working hard seven days a week for 15 years. After selling the store in 1976 and a short break, she went to work at Gallagher, Archambeault & Knierim Law Offices in Glasgow for 18 years and retired in 1996.

She enjoyed many years attending her children's and grandsons’ educational, musical and sporting events. She wore purple exceptionally well and was a loyal supporter of the Nashua Porkies.

She was community-minded and joined many clubs and leagues. She was a 60-year member of the Eastern Star and was actively involved in her church. She enjoyed pinochle, bridge and whist. She was an avid reader and enjoyed jigsaw puzzles. She also acquired many trophies from bowling and golfing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Burt; and sisters, Lona Simensen and Jean Pohl.

She is survived by six children, Rick, Dave, Terry, Jerry, Bob and Marilyn; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services are planned for June 29 in Glasgow.