Helen Lorene Chesnut died August 7, 2023, at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her daughter Betty Chesnut Gray, husband Tom Chesnut, sister Mary McNeil Rupple and brother Seward McNeil.

She was born to Waldo and Opal McNeil on November 3, 1929, and was raised on the family farm near LaSalle, Colorado. In 1947, she graduated from College High School in Greeley, Colorado and enrolled in Colorado State College, majoring in nursing. She worked at Peter's Popcorn and learned how to make wonderful candies and flavored popcorn, which she often made at Christmas Holidays. December 3, 1948, she married Thomas Chesnut which began her career as a full-time mother of 5 children along with responsibilities as a farm wife.

In 1999, after 15 plus years, she retired from Hewlett Packard in Fort Collins where she was a Work Center Leader for Quality Control. She received many accolades from co-workers and managers for her excellent performance as a team leader and employee. For 16 years prior to HP, she drove a school bus for Johnstown School District, both daily routes and special events. She held several leadership positions in various service-organizations: Weld County Extension Club, Fireflies, Country Gals, 4-H, Weld County March of Dimes, and Cystic Fibrosis Drive. She also served as an election clerk for several years and sat on the board for low-income housing in Johnstown, Colorado. A few of her special honors included: Young Homemaker of the Year for Weld County Extension Club, Outstanding Woman of the Month selected by the Loveland Herald, and 10-year honorary service award from Transportation Department of School District Re5J. There was never a neighbor in distress or a friend in need that Helen did not quickly respond to in her positive, uplifting way. Her smile alone soothed many a hurt.

Her biggest joy and pride, however, were her children and their families. Becky Chesnut (Bob Handford), Gary Chesnut (Helen Chesnut), Betty Chesnut Gray (Danny Gray), Carroll Chesnut (Becky Chesnut), and Gerald Chesnut (Tomasa Chesnut). She loved the times she spent with grandchildren and great grandchildren. She leaves a legacy of 42 grandchildren, spouses as well as great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held September 16, 2023, The First Presbyterian Church, 201 South Olive Street, Milliken, Colorado at 10:30 am.

Helen Chesnut's Celebration of Life ceremony on Saturday, September 16 has been moved from the Milliken Athletic Complex (Thompson Rivers and Recreation District) to The First Presbyterian Church, 201 South Olive Street, Milliken, Colorado.

Hospice care was invaluable to her and her family in her final days. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to HopeWest (hopewestco.org).