Helen Beach

Helen Marie Beach, 91, passed away on February 9, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on December 3, 1933, in Miles City, Mont., to James and Helen (Gray) Ring.

Helen was raised and educated in Bozeman and Missoula, graduating from Missoula County High School in 1952 before attending The University of Montana (then known as Montana State University).

From an early age, Helen displayed natural athleticism, excelling in tumbling, twirling, and swimming. Her dedication and skill earned her coveted spots on the Twirling and Aqua Maids Aquatic Dance teams at UM. She also had a lifelong passion for figure skating, which she continued well into her 70s.

Beyond her athletic pursuits, Helen possessed a strong artistic flair and loved drawing and painting in various mediums, including watercolor, pastel, oil, acrylic, and pen and ink. She was also a skilled seamstress with a keen sense of fashion, and her wardrobe reflected her meticulous attention to detail.

On August 11, 1956, Helen married Robert "Bob" Beach, her high school and college sweetheart. Together, they worked side by side in operating their family business, raising three children, and nurturing a love that remained unwavering for more than six decades.

Family was the cornerstone of Helen's life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known for her kindness, compassion, and dedication. She and Bob took great pride in their children's and grandchildren's accomplishments, traveling any distance to support them and celebrate their achievements. She also cultivated many lifelong friendships, with Joyce Dunston, Sally Longpre, and Mae York among her closest confidantes.

Helen and Bob shared a love for travel, embarking on adventures that took them across nearly every continent. Yet, no matter how far they ventured, their love for Montana, its landscapes, traditions, and way of life, remained steadfast.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses, son, Greg (Dorrie) Beach, Missoula; daughter, Diana (Randy) Heinrichs, Missoula; son, Scott (Shannon) Beach, Missoula. Helen also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Megan (Andrew) McDonnell, Great Falls; Emily (Seth) Miller, Missoula; David Beach, San Diego, Calif.; Rachael Rowe (Jeremy), Butte; Bradley Heinrichs, Missoula; Krystina Bachmann, Missoula; Brian (Brittany) Beach, Helena; Jacob Beach, Missoula. Additionally, she is survived by nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Donna Herrington, and her beloved husband, Bob.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. J. Michael Caldwell of Missoula and The Village Senior Residence for their compassionate care. Special thanks go to Big Sky Palliative and Hospice for their exceptional support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of choice. A family memorial will be held at a later date to celebrate and honor Helen's remarkable life.