Robert D. "Bob" Helms

ROBERT D. "BOB" HELMS Robert D. 'Bob' Helms passed away May 11, 2013 at Banner Boswell Hospital in Sun City, AZ. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 17 at First United Methodist Church in Cortez with the Rev. Carl J. Brenner officiating. Bob was born June 14, 1934 to Werner and Mary (Griswold) Helms in Durango. He spent his pre school years living in Towaoc where his parents owned the trading post. After attending school in Cortez through 9th grade, he attended and graduated from the Abbey in Caon City in 1951 at the age of 16. Bob went to the University of Colorado at Boulder where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1955. Bob proudly served as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers in Germany following college. After leaving the service, Bob worked in several businesses in Cortez before meeting his future wife, Anna M. Iverson. They married Oct. 24, 1969 in Stone Mountain, GA where they lived for three years. In 1972 they moved back to Cortez and purchased The Toggery from his parents, which they ran for 33 years. After retiring, they became snowbirds, spending half their time in Cortez and half in Sun City, AZ. Bob was active in BPOE Lodge #1789, Cortez Rotary, Cortez Chamber of Commerce, and Cortez City Council. He is survived by his wife Ann, son William 'Bill' Helms of Arizona, daughter Sharon (Matt) Gallegos of New York, brother and sister-in-law Charles and Norma Helms and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and step-mother Constance 'Connie' Helms. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert Helms' name to the Diabetes Association or to St. Mary's Food Bank 2831 N. 31st Ave. Phoenix, Ariz. 85009.