Helen Elizabeth Humbach

Helen Elizabeth (Overfield) Humbach, 103 received her wings on June 2, 2025.

She was born May 15, 1922, at home on the kitchen table in Jerome, Idaho, to John and Pearl Overfield. She was the middle of three children and attended school in Jerome. Graduating in May of 1940 and then attended college in Northern Idaho. While at college she worked for a dentist and had a secret pen pal by the name of Anthony M. Humbach. As her older sister Jean tells it, Helen had a date at the front door, and she was climbing out the back window to go meet up with Anthony. They were married on Aug 30, 1941

The beginning of their marriage was on a small farm south of Jerome. During this time, two sons, Anthony (Tony) jr. and Ron and daughter, Nancy, joined the family. They moved to another farm where daughter Sharon completed the family. They raised their family on this farm which is also where she celebrated her 100th birthday. This farm is in the 5th generation of family farming, and it made her so happy to talk about that.

She wore many hats during her life, working retail at all three Drug Stores (mostly at Morley’s) while helping on the farm and raising four busy children. She could open the door of an empty fridge and put together a meal big enough to feed 12 grown men. She made the best dang bread ever as well as glazed donuts, pies and noodles just to name a few.

She loved to travel and talk about her travels. They took two trips to Germany where Sharon’s family was stationed. They went to Hawaii, Texas, California and took the motorhome for a three-month trip to see all of the Eastern United States. Just about any place you mention she has been. In 1984 they became permanent snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona where she resided until early 2018 when she moved back to Idaho to be closer to family. She moved into Brookdale Senior Living and loved her little apartment. Even though she was one of the older residents there, she was also the Ambassador for a long time and would greet the new residents and give them the tour. Mostly so she could also give them her list of “rules” to follow. She had many friends who would stop by her room for an afternoon wine and gossip hour.

She was a social butterfly, loved to water ski on the river, host large BBQ’s and play Bridge. Anthony used to say he came second to her Bridge game. She was very active in the Elk’s Ladies. She held the office of President and was voted Sweetheart of the Elks. Her best role was that of Grandmother. Her grandkids all felt like the farm was a 2nd home. Schwan’s ice cream, popcorn, cheese and crackers were all staples on an evening or weekend spent at the farm. Most of the grandkids still have the vivid memory of the 100 mph drive to church on Sundays. Corners on two wheels and catching air over the canals. Side note: The blue Mercury she drove could get a dozen grandkids in with, of course, no seatbelts. Some would have to ride on the shelf of the back window.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, her parents, her sister Jean and brother George, who died in the Korean war, her son Tony Jr, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Her laugh and bright smile will be missed by so many. Her three children, Ron, Nancy and Sharon, as well as 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 13+ great great grandchildren.

A rosary and mass will be held in the morning for family. For family and friends, a Celebration of Life arranged by Rosenau Funeral Home will be held at Canyon Crest Event Center on Friday June 13th at 2:00 followed by a reception.

The hardest part is when the one who gave you the best memories becomes the memory.