Helene Ahlstrom Bana Ault passed away peacefully on the evening of April 26 at the age of 82 at the Hyland Hills Memory Care Center in Westminster, Colo. She was born in Buffalo N.Y. to Elmer and Lois Ahlstrom. She is the oldest of three children, her sister Barbara Benevento of Bay Village. Ohio and her brother John Ahlstrom of Summerville, S.C.
After growing up in East Aurora, N.Y. she moved to Rocky River, Ohio prior to her senior year of high school. She met Ron Bana a few years later and they were married in 1962. Her son Mark was born in 1963 and Kirk followed in 1965. The family then moved to Estes Park in January of 1972 to open and run the Red Arrow Campground.
When Helene and Ron divorced in 1974, she made the decision to stay in Estes Park to raise her children. She had never had a job before but was determined to make it work. She started out selling Avon and cleaning houses, then went to work at Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum where she eventually became the manager.
Helene was one of the first employees hired when the new Estes Park Hospital was opened. She stayed at the hospital for years working her way up to Assistant Administrator and later went on to manage the downtown clothing store Bean Blossoms. She eventually got her real estate license and worked in that field until her retirement from Re/Max. She worked hard and was successful at everything she did. She was always proud that she was able to remain in Estes Park where she raised and kept her family.
Helene met Chief of Police Robert Ault in the late 1970s and they were married in 1980. They spent the next 39 years happily married until his death in 2019.
Helene was active in the Quota Club for many years. She got a lot of enjoyment out of the many events she took part in including assisting in getting medical equipment to those in need. She also really enjoyed her yearly participation in the Bright Christmas.
Helene is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert (Bob) Ault and her grandson, Tyler Bana. She leaves behind her sister Barbara, brother John, sons Mark and Kirk Bana, Stepsons Rodney and Mark Ault, grandchildren Trevor and Emily Bana, Heath and Heather Bana, Audrey Ault, Koby and Makenzie Ault Hensley, Alison and Katie Kuhlman and five great grandchildren. She loved her family and was never happier than when she had them all together.
Helene always had a smile and a laugh waiting for you whenever you saw her and was always willing to help anyone in need. She leaves behind a multitude of good memories. She had a kind heart and gentle soul and will be missed by many.
Services are planned for Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the American Legions Post 119 in Estes Park, Colo.
Please visit allnuttestespark.com to leaves messages for the family.