Rebecca Ann (Becky) Helm, 72, of Ray, ND passed away at her home on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

She was born on August 29, 1952 in New Brighton, Pennsylvania to Theron and Naomi (Steen) Gorrell.

Becky grew up in New Brighton, PA, graduating high school in 1970. She attended Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA where she received her BA in Elementary Education in 1974. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, Steve Helm. During their 50 years of marriage Steve and Becky welcomed three children, Heidi, Ian, and Leslie and lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York, eventually ending up in Ray, ND.

Becky was an animal lover. She volunteered as a docent at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY for several years. The Helms’ home was always full of animals as well, cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, fish, snakes, a rabbit, and a gecko could all be found at different times. She loved wild birds and butterflies, keeping beautiful gardens to attract them to her yard.

Becky was best known for her photography. An avid amateur photographer, she took amazing photographs of landscapes, churches, wildlife, flowers and more. She had cards available at Books on Broadway in Williston, ND for many years. Becky was published in North Dakota Horizons calendar and magazine, North Dakota Game and Fish calendar and magazine, and Shutterbug magazine. She won several awards for photography, including winning best of show at the North Dakota State Fair one year.

As a nature lover, Becky enjoyed traveling to both state and national parks for photography. Some of her favorite trips included Yosemite National Park, the Painted Desert in the Petrified Forest National Park, Olympic National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. She also enjoyed many trips to Theodore Roosevelt National Park each year. Becky and Steve also traveled internationally, enjoying trips to Costa Rica, Bermuda, England, and Germany.

Becky is survived by her husband of 50 years, Steve Helm; three children, Heidi (Bill) Owens of Atlanta, GA, Ian (Christine) Helm of Phoenix, AZ, Leslie (Dan) Kunkel of Tioga, ND; three grandchildren, Hadessah Owens, Lena and Erik Kunkel; brother, Theron (Anna) Gorrell; sister, Peggy Gorrell; brother-in-law, Phil (Donna) Hoskins-Helm; mother-in-law, Kathy Helm; several nieces and nephews.

Becky is preceded in death by her parents, Theron and Naomi Gorrell; father-in-law, Paul Helm.