Helen Marie Oatman, 90

Helen Marie Oatman, 90, died peacefully on Feb. 1, 2017. She was born in Butte, Mont., in May 1926, the daughter of John Jacob and Kathryn Marie Fullenwider.

A consummate mother and “domestic engineer,” Helen could put Martha Stewart to shame. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do, from decorating homes, to gardening, baking and decorating wedding cakes for many weddings, flower arranging (for pleasure and for weddings), sewing, and last but not least, cooking. Helen was an amazing chef and enjoyed cooking for her friends and all her extended family.

Helen was united in marriage to the love of her life, George H. Oatman, in July 1946. Her loving husband of 68 years preceded her in death in February 2015. Helen and George raised their family in Tustin, Calif., then Saratoga, Calif. Their golden years were spent on Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. For several years, they would snowbird on the island of Kauai. No matter where they lived, you were always welcome in their home where many parties and celebrations were held.

In addition to her parents and husband, her son-in-law, George Parrish, preceded Helen in death. Helen is survived by her daughter, Jill Wood (Bill); son Chris Oatman and daughter Heidi Parrish. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and three great-grandsons; as well as, her younger (but bigger) sister, Kathryn Eddy.

Helen and George will be buried together later this summer at Forest Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to: Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011; or East Side Fire Station No. 2, Arrow Point, 20338 Hwy 97, Harrison, ID 83833.