Helen Hopkin Cockrell

March 24, 1943 – June 13, 2024

Helen Hopkin Cockrell, 81, passed away in Worland at home surrounded by her children after a long battle with pancreatic cancer on June 13, 2024. 

Helen was born on March 24, 1943, to Leo “Speck” and Ila May Hopkin. She was welcomed by her sisters, Hazel (Wambeke) and Charlotte (Lewis), and brothers Neil and John. As a young girl, Helen loved being around the sheep sheds and riding horses. 

Her mother, Ila, became ill and was hospitalized long-term when Helen was only 9 months old. In 1955, Eileen Forsch married Speck and helped raise her. In 1960, Speck passed away and Eileen continued raising Helen. She felt blessed to have two strong women who significantly influenced her life to become a strong woman serving as an example to her family.

On June 11, 1960, Helen married her best friend and love of her life, Charles David Cockrell. They had four children, Curtis, Lisa, Dione and Devon. Family was most important to Helen; if she wasn’t with Charles, she could be found with one of her children. She supported them in all their endeavors and was their biggest cheerleader.

In 1978, Charles and Helen returned home after living in Laramie to follow a dream and built the first of three convenience stores, the Country Store. Helen enjoyed the many people she met while working and the wonderful individuals employed at their three stores. 

After Charles passed away in 2004, Helen sold the stores in Lovell and Cody and moved to Ten Sleep to continue running the Pony Express. She found a love for the people and spoke fondly of her time there. In 2005, Helen decided it was time to retire, so she sold the Pony Express and moved to Cody. 

She loved to travel and was always up for an adventure. She was known for her infectious laugh and telling it like it is.

Helen was preceded in death by her father, Speck, mother Ila; “Mom” Eileen; and siblings Hazel, John and Neil. 

She is survived by her children, Curtis (Carla), Lisa (John) Dickerson, Dione (Randy) Townsend and Devon (Kirenda); grandchildren Bryce (Kelsi) Dickerson, Shane (Terra) Dickerson, Trey (McKenzie) Dickerson, Zayden Cockrell, ZoieAnne Cockrell, Zavanah Cockrell, Zandaya Cockrell, Zaxton Cockrell, Zayne (Ariel) Nounawon, Randi Townsend, Charlee Townsend and Branson (Sayge) Townsend; and great-grandchildren Rilynn Nounawon, Asher Nounawon, Cayden Dickerson, Raegan Dickerson, Harper Dickerson and Easton Dickerson.

Following her wishes, there will be a small, private gathering to celebrate Helen’s life. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.