Helen Rae Ash

Helen Rae Moss Ash, (known to many as “Lady”) age 76, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend from Rockland, Idaho passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, July 20, 2024 in Idaho Falls, ID.  

Helen Rae was born on February 20, 1948 in American Falls, Idaho to Keith Earl and Fae Hulet Moss.  She grew up in Rockland, Idaho. After high school she attended cosmetology school. She became the “Best” hairdresser in SE Idaho. 

Helen Rae married Keith Braegger on July 5, 1968. They lived in Rupert before making Rockland their home. They were blessed with two children, Brian and Heather. Keith and Helen Rae later divorced.  On June 13, 1998 she married the love of her life, Michael R. Ash (Papa) along with his six children.

Helen Rae worked in the kitchen at Harms Memorial Hospital for many years until her health challenges forced her into retirement.  For the past 5 years Helen Rae has lived in an Assisted Living Center where the staff and residents loved her dearly. 

Helen Rae was the definition of talent. Everyone loved her wit and charm. She made many lifelong friends over the years. She was not only the “best” hairdresser in the valley but patrons had the added bonus of having her as a great confidante. Helen Rae along with her friends became one of the main stars at Rockland High School pep assemblies with their creative skits. Students and staff always looked forward to what they dreamed up to cheer their Bulldogs on. Coming up with Halloween costumes each year was another one of her creative abilities, often becoming the focus of her Christmas card. She had a passion for cooking that was almost as strong as her passion for the Utah Jazz!!! Helen Rae was talented when it came to designing and decorating floral arrangements. She definitely had an eye for Class!!! 

She is survived by her children, Brian Keith Braegger (Peggy) and Heather Hawkes, 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and her six sisters: Kaye (Dennis) Wilson, Lois (Rod) Egli, Sharon (Steven) Kohler, Dixie (Jim) Olsen, DeAnn (Duane) Blackburn and Teri (Brian) Fehringer. She was preceded in death by; her parents Keith and Fae, husband Mike, and a great grandson, Terek. 

Helen Rae was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We find comfort and peace in knowing that she is now free from all physical pain and challenges she faced here on Earth. Helen Rae had a larger than life personality. Her light and laughter was a joy, and her love and influence will continue to be felt by all who knew and loved her. 

Our family would like to send a huge thank you to Parkwood Assisted Living Center and Life Care Center of Idaho Falls and their staff for the attentive and tender care they provided Helen Rae.

Family will welcome friends for a viewing at Davis-Rose Mortuary on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 2:00-4:00pm. A graveside service will be held in Rockland, Idaho on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 3:00pm. Interment will be at Valley View Cemetery, Rockland, Idaho. 

To share condolences, memories, and photos, please visit DavisRoseMortuary.com.