Helen Shanks, 96, formerly of Bathgate, ND, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2016 surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home in Mapleton, ND.

Helen Ann Cull was born June 15, 1920 in St. Thomas, ND to Ernest and Hilda (Aas) Cull. She attended schools and graduated from Bathgate High School, after which she received a business degree in Fargo, ND. She married Paul Shanks on September 28, 1940 in Bathgate, ND. She was a Sunday school teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, 4-H Leader, Church elder, and Worthy Matron Eastern Star.

Most important in her life were her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Helen enjoyed time spent gardening, baking, and sewing.

Helen is survived by her three daughters, Mary Ann (Henry) Loock, Wahpeton, ND; Judy (Steve) Thordarson, Casselton, ND; and Paula Gustafson, Mapleton, ND; daughter-in-law, Myrna Shanks, Picayune, MS; brother, Robert (Edythe) Cull, Grand Forks, ND; nine grandchildren, Mike, Yvonne, Tonna, Dennis, Adam, Chad, Kaylee, Shari and Stephanie; twenty great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; three nieces; and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; son, Dale Shanks; sister, Eunice Moore; grandson, Mark Loock; granddaughter, Deborah Shanks; great-granddaughter, Tiffany Shanks; and son-in-law, Olaf Gustafson.