Helen Poulsen Cook

Surrounded by her loving family, Helen Poulsen Cook, 96, returned to her heavenly home on January 21, 2025. We miss her dearly but know she is overjoyed to be reunited with her eternal love and companion, Dean, son Jerry, and many loved ones.

Helen was born July 28, 1928, in Lanark, Idaho, to Walter and Orbie Ann Findlay Poulsen. She had a happy childhood and youth in Paris, Idaho, as the sixth of eight Poulsen children. She loved school, was active in singing and theater, and was known for her exceptional kindness to everyone.

Helen and Dean met at a Saturday night dance at Dean's grandfather's Fish Haven Resort on the shores of Bear Lake. After Dean's service in the US Navy during World War II, they married in the Logan Utah temple on April 3, 1947. Helen shared Dean's entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic and was side-by-side with him as early in their marriage she worked to support him through college and pursue professional opportunities, which included work in the Bear Lake Valley, Evanston, and Boise. In 1962, they moved to Centerville, Utah, which has been a wonderful home to their family and businesses for over 60 years. 

Helen's life was wholly dedicated to family and service. Helen and Dean welcomed and raised six children. Together, they unceasingly found ways to nurture, build, love, teach, and bind their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren together. Whether it was time at Bear Lake, holiday and birthday traditions, or weekly Sunday night visits, there was "no place like home, except Grandma's." She was a disciple of Jesus Christ and served in many family, ward, and stake callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Relief Society president of the Davis Utah and Centerville Utah stakes. She was a positive, compassionate leader with great problem-solving and organizational skills. She was active in the PTA and served on Davis School District community boards. Helen was a cherished friend and matriarch to many. She was sought out for her wisdom and knowledge and was known for her unpretentious beauty, grace, and strength. 

Helen is survived by her brother Jim Poulsen; children Sherry Cook, Jeffery D. and Connie W. Cook, David P. and Cindy L. Cook, Carol Ann F. Cook, Marianne Cook Jenks, and John W. and Suzette Cook Hirst; and adoring grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The family is grateful to the many individuals for their kindness and service to our mother, with special appreciation to Vicki Kielsmeier and Dr. Tyler Williams for their tender caregiving.

A viewing will be held Friday, January 24, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah. The funeral will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing before the service from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center, 950 North Main, Centerville, Utah. Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page.