Helen May Aust (Knapp)

Helen May Aust

March 3, 1922 ~ September 11, 2016

Helen May Aust passed away on September 11, 2016 at her home in Montrose, Colorado.  She was born March 3, 1922 in Chinook, Montana to Margaret Ramberg Knapp and William Burton Knapp.  She grew up on the family farm in Mt. Pleasant, Washington and graduated from Washougal High School in 1940.

Helen married Carroll Perry Aust whom she had met on a blind date with friends.  They were married on October 26, 1940 in Vancouver, Washington and celebrated 71 years together before his death in March 2012.  Helen was an excellent cook and homemaker and mother whose skill in setting up a home was put to the test many times as her husband’s career advanced.  Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, oil painting, gardening and porcelain doll making.

She was a very active and proud member of the Sons of Norway Lodge in Vancouver Washington for over 50 years.  Helen was a charter member of new Lutheran churches in Salem and Dallas, Oregon, and Ferndale, Washington and member of Immanuel Lutheran while in Vancouver , and Grace Lutheran while in Kingman, Arizona.

She is survived by her son, David Eugene Aust (Katherine) Montrose, CO, two daughters Diana Kay Hatch (John) Sacramento, CA, Debra Jean Campusano (John) San Rafael, CA; three brothers, George Robert Knapp (Kathleen), William B. Knapp (Beverly), John Albert Knapp (Mildred); two sisters, Maxine Jean (Knapp) Kalian, Rita Ann (Knapp) Poffenroth, eight grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carroll, and her sister Marie Eleanor (Knapp) Skwirut.

There will be a Memorial Service on December 2, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel in Montrose, Co.  A private family interment will follow the service.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory of Montrose is assisting the family.