Helen Jarvie

Helen E. Jarvie, 87 of Florence, MT passed away from natural causes surrounded by her loving family on Monday December 19^th.   She was born on August 2^nd 1935 to Otto and Laura Wallila in Red Lodge, MT. 

She attended Roberts High School and graduated in 1953.  While attending Roberts High, she met the man of her dreams in a sweet ride, and she never looked back.   She married Arnold Jarvie on July 7^th, 1953 and had 4 children while moving around the northwest.  The family lived in Custer, Montana until moving to Florence and starting a new adventure.

Helen and Arnold opened the Kings Hat Drive-In in 1972, and there she could be found serving and chatting with Lolo’s finest for the next 23 years.  During those years she welcomed 10 grandchildren who may have bent a rule or two when “helping” her at the restaurant. 

Throughout her life, Helen showed her love through her amazing skill and passion for baking and cooking.  It was often what brought the family together and her recipes were the heart of every gathering.  

Everyone who ever played a game with Helen, knew they needed to duck and cover either from flying cards or snarky remarks.  What more would you expect from a full-blood Sisu Finn?  The game always finished with belly laughs and long hugs.   Helen will be greatly missed and will live on through her recipes, Wallila smile (cheeks), and love of her family.

Helen is survived by her brother-in-law Roger Hyem, her 4 children Debra (Fred) Hayes, Larry (Jan) Jarvie, Danice (John) Person, Gary (Cindy) Jarvie, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.  She is also survived by brother-in-law John (Sandra) Jarvie and numerous nieces and nephews.  Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Arnold Jarvie, grandson John Clifford Person and her 3 siblings Marian Pitts, Raymond Wallila, and Shirley Hyem.

A family gathering will be planned for the summer.  Arrangements are in the care of Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shriners Hospitals.