Helen Ott Hepworth

Helen Ott Hepworth returned peacefully to her heavenly home on Sunday, February 11, 2024, with family at her bedside. Helen was born September 10, 1928, in Jerome, Idaho to William and Mary Ott. She attended and graduated from Jerome schools where she resided all her life. She grew up with an older brother, Floyd, older sister, Ida, and a twin sister, Ellen.

She began her working career early in life, as a waitress, at a local cafe. She had strong work ethics and was dependable at an early age. After graduation, she continued to work and gained employment at Mt. Bell in 1946 where she remained employed, off and on, until her retirement in May 1981. As she was not yet retirement age in 1981, she continued working as a bookkeeper at Producers Livestock & Auction, Stoke's Grocery, Terry's Bestway, as well as Harry's Bestway.

She married Ivan Hepworth on December 1, 1947 in Elko, Nevada. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on February 16, 1960. They had 3 children, Bill, Paula, and Debbie. They farmed northeast of Jerome for many years. In 1965, they moved to town where she has since resided.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served faithfully her entire adult life. She served in numerous capacities, including stake Young Women's resident on 2 separate occasions, teaching, ward historian, various bookkeeping and accounting positions, as well as ward librarian for over 35 years.

She enjoyed painting, reading, and being with family. Her family and religious beliefs were her world. She was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful person and was loved by all who associated with her. She had numerous friends over the years and enjoyed visiting with them. She enjoyed  cooking for her family and had special recipes she enjoyed preparing. It was difficult for her to learn to limit the quantity of her meals, as she always prepared "extras" for everyone to take home and enjoy. She loved garden flowers and all the beauties of nature. She had a strong testimony of her beliefs and lived life by her example of serving and caring for others.

Helen was preceded in death by her spouse, Ivan; her daughter, Debra; her parents, Bill and Mary; and siblings, Floyd, Ida, and her twin sister, Ellen.

Helen is survived by her son, Bill (Sandy) Hepworth and daughter Paula (LaRon) Thompson; grandsons, Chad (Gen), Ryan (Karen), Justin (Sara), Ivan (Julie), Ty (Jenny) and Chris (Aryn); 26 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and a baby on the way.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 16, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E 100 S, Jerome, Idaho. Grave dedication will conclude at Jerome Cemetery.