Helen Ruth Sandquist Williams was born Jan. 18, 1928, and passed away peacefully at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. She was 84.

Helen was born in Troy to Herman and Anna Christina “Ruth” Frisk Sandquist. She grew up on the family farm on Little Bear Ridge. Helen attended the Yellow Rose School in the country and Troy schools. After graduating from Troy High School in 1945, Helen attended the University of Idaho, earning a master’s degree in education. Helen went on to teach in Homedale, La Crosse, Wash., and Spirit Lake. The bulk of her 34-year teaching career was spent as a science teacher at Coeur d’Alene High School, where she retired in 1984.

She married Robert “Bob” Williams in Sandpoint on Aug. 28, 1972. They resided in Coeur d’Alene. Helen was very active in the school community. She also loved gardening, canning, cooking and hand work. She and Bob enjoyed dancing, camping and traveling. Helen especially relished time with friends and family; there was always a twinkle in her eyes and her laugh was contagious. Family was extremely important to her and she and Bob hosted many family gatherings including the annual early Williams’ Christmas Celebration and the annual Sandquist Cousin Picnic. Troy was always close to Helen’s heart, and she considered it her “home.” She and Bob attended Troy Community Days every summer. They also visited “the farm” often and came to Troy for every holiday and special occasion, as well as driving down just to enjoy visits with family in the area.

Helen is survived by her husband of 40 years, Bob, at their home in Coeur d’Alene; her brother, Kenneth (and Lynda) Sandquist of Troy; her brother, Robert Sandquist of Troy; stepsons, Chuck Williams of Lapwai, Todd Williams of Sandpoint, Bob (and Mary) Spray of Coeur d’Alene and Randy (and Sandy) Spray of Lewiston. She also leaves three step-grandchildren, Brandi Williams (Chuck) and Dustin, and Cody Williams (Todd); niece Diane Sandquist Hammond (and Duke) of Spokane; nephew Kevin Sandquist (and Moreesa) of Troy; one great-niece, Alaina Hammond; and five great-nephews, Eric and Marcus Hammond, and Clint, Mitchell and Rhett Sandquist. Helen was preceded in death by her brother, Clifford; and her parents.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held beginning at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at the Troy Lutheran Church. Pastor Nick Nicolai will officiate and lunch will immediately follow. Private graveside services will have been at Dry Creek Cemetery prior.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Troy Ambulance Fund; Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 North Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835; or to the Alzheimer’s Association — Inland Northwest Chapter, 910 W. Fifth Ave., Ste. 256, Spokane, WA 99204.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.