MONTROSE – Mary ‘Helen’ Pilcher, age 86, of Montrose, passed away April 14, 2010 at Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose. Pilcher was born to Frank and Ruth (McLaughlin) Blackburn in Branson, Colo. She spent her childhood in Branson and then graduated high school in Telluride in 1940. She married Gene David Pilcher on September 15, 1940 in Telluride. He preceded her in death on June 20, 2007 in Montrose, where they had made their home since moving from Telluride. They had also resided in Durango, Colorado.

The couple belonged to Church of Christ in Telluride. Pilcher enjoyed quilting and watching sports and was an avid Colorado Rockies and Bronco fan.

Survivors include her sons, David F. Pilcher of Longmont, Colo., Dan L. Pilcher of Harrisburg, Ill.; and daughter, Linda K. Pilcher of Cedaredge, Colo.; as well as four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Pilcher was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Keith Blackburn, and a sister, Ruth F. Reece.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Pilcher’s life was held on Monday, April 19 at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Paul Nystrom officiating. Internment will be held at a later date at Lone Tree Cemetery in Telluride, next to her husband, Gene. Arrangements have been made under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory, Montrose, Colorado.