Helen Anna Christina (nee Bergman) Scafe, 94, of Ashton, died peacefully and with grace at her home on Wednesday, May 27. She was was born to Walter and Anna (nee Ahrentschild) Bergman on December 26, 1919 in Grainville, Idaho. Her place of birth and childhood residences were the family homes located next to Fall River.

Helen was baptized on January 18, 1920 at Zion Lutheran Church in Squirrel. As a teenager, she was confirmed in this same congregation. She attended grade school and high school in Ashton.

In September, 1941, she was engaged to Albert M. Scafe. While Albert was stationed at McCord Field in the state of Washington, she married him on Sunday, December 25, 1944 at a Lutheran Church in Tacoma. Two days after their marriage, Albert was assigned to Southern California; three months later he was stationed in Salt Lake City, Utah. On both occasions, Helen traveled to join him. Helen returned to Ashton to live and work when Albert was stationed in the Pacific.

After World War II, Albert and Helen farmed in the Grainville-Squirrel area with her parents, Walter and Anna. They continued to farm in this area until 1978 when their oldest son, Walter, assumed ownership and continued the family farming tradition. In 1998, Albert and Helen moved to Ashton.

Helen was an active, life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Squirrel and later in Ashton. She faithfully attended Adult Sunday School classes and Sunday morning worship services. Helen served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Altar Guild, and a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League – Mary Martha Circle. She was also a member of the Squirrel Club, a community social organization.

Helen devoted her life to her family. She enjoyed visits from her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, other family members, and friends. She also enjoyed caring for her flowers and working in her vegetable garden. These gardens provided a great deal of beauty and nourishment for many family members and various guests. Helen is also known for her delicious and nutritious farm meals, which were prepared many times without the aid of a cookbook.

Helen is survived by her five children – Walter (wife – Shirley) of Grainville; Mary Gustav (husband – Wally) of Lebanon, Oregon; Doris Bemis (husband – Chris) of Seattle, Washington; Ruth Parlier of San Diego, California; and John A. Scafe (wife – Kathy) of Ashton. She is survived by eleven grandchildren – Natalie (nee Scafe) Kaufman, Nathan Scafe, Jennifer Ned, Nyle Scafe, Shannon (nee Bemis) Davis, Matthew Gustav, Justin Parlier, Daniel Bemis, Rebecca (nee Gustav) Powell, Deborah (nee Gustav) Larsen, and John Edward Scafe.

Helen is survived by eighteen great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; two brothers – Martin Bergman and Charles Bergman; one sister Erna (nee Bergman) Reinke; and one great grandson, Jaron Scafe.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 2, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashton. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Baxter Funeral Home, and Monday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.
Memorials may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church in Ashton and designated for one of the following: The Lutheran Hour – St. Louis, Missouri or Zion Lutheran Church – Memorial Fund.