Helen Russon

Helen Wilder Hastings Russon, 52, would like everyone to know that her work here on earth is complete. She left this earth on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 5:25 a.m. She was surrounded by family and friends on both sides of the veil in the days leading to her passing.

Helen is survived by her loving husband, Dell Thomas Russon, her parents John and Betty Hastings, her siblings Kimberly (Matt Helm), Carol (Leroy Syrie), Rebecca Hastings Burlingame, Katherine (Andrew Terry), Scott (Jolene Hastings) and John. Her stepchildren Dylan Thomas Russon, Tarryn Elizabeth (Matt Roberts), Zeryck William Russon and Nana to her precious grandson Oliver (Ollie) Roberts, her many nieces and nephews and other beloved family members. She is also survived by her beloved pets Brady and LuLu.

Helen loved her Savior and worshiped Him actively in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings in the church. Her favorite was teaching the primary children.

Helen loved learning and loved life. She earned a Masters in Speech/Language Pathology and used that degree and her love of children to serve the children of Alpine School District for 20 years. She was an Adjunct Professor at BYU for nearly 10 years. She loved each of her children as if they were her own and they loved her too. She was dedicated and compassionate. In everyday life she always went the extra mile to help others. Helen’s colleagues remember her as kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand to whomever was in need.

Helen was an endurance athlete. Running marathons and half-marathons, 50K trail race, and 80 mile bike races. She loved to hike and explore her surroundings wherever life brought her. A true outdoorsman. She always pushed herself to do things outdoors that scared her, because she loved overcoming fear. She made many friends along her travels and hikes and treasured their friendships.

Helen was passionate about standing up for those who were different or had challenges and could not stand up for themselves. Even in her young school-aged years. She stood up to bullies, protecting those on the receiving end of their bullying ways. She did not shy away from doing what was right, even if it landed her head first in a big snow bank at the end of Newland Ave where she grew up in Augusta, Maine.

Some of Helen’s favorite things were: Daisies because “they go with just about everything”, the songs “I Am A Child of God”, and “There is Beauty All Around”. Her favorite color is green, her favorite rock band is Aerosmith, her favorite sports team was the New England Patriots. She loved to bake her famous chocolate chip cookies and share them with anyone that she felt needed a lift or, “a little slice of heaven.”

Helen’s example of her love of the Savoir shined in all that she did, said and how she treated others. She wanted her loved ones to know, “In life you do not need to be perfect, you just need to try to do your best. Show love to all and do not be afraid to be yourself because, being yourself is enough. Rely on the Savior.”

Helen will be missed by all that knew of her. Helen took great comfort in knowing that families are forever. We too can take comfort in that knowledge.

Funeral services will be held Saturday March 27, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at the Santaquin Stake Center, 45 South 500 West. Interment Oak City Cemetery, Utah.