Helen was born on March 29, 1909 in Enderlin, ND to Albert and Anna (Sagvold) Austad. She was reared on the family farm between Ryder and Roseglen and graduated from Ryder High School in 1927. After graduation, she and her sister moved to Minot where she was employed by Dr. Olson at the McCannel Clinic.

Helen married Paul Barber on June 7, 1930 in Minot and following their marriage they made their home in Minot. Helen was a fulltime wife, mother and homemaker prior to Paul's death in 1976. Following the death of her husband she was employed at the McCannel Clinic by Dr. Olson as an office assistant for ten years. Also, she was employed at Bader's Department Store and various other places in Minot. Most recently, she had resided at Edgewood Vista for several years prior to entering Trinity Homes.

Helen was a member of the Vincent United Methodist Church - Minot and a life member of the Senior Citizens organization. She especially enjoyed knitting, gardening, reading and card playing.

Helen's loving family includes her children: Donna Haugen of Minot and Donn (Louise) Barber of Minneapolis; grandchildren: Duane (Carmen) Haugen of Minot, Doug (Dorene) Haugen of Bismarck, Paul (Edna) Barber and David (Dawn) Barber all of Minneapolis; great grandchildren: Mathew, Samantha, Nicholas and Crystal; and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son-in-law: Richard Haugen, sister: Louise (Lyman) Lee, brother-in-law: Lyman Lee , brothers: Milton (Betty), Alvin (Lois) and Ervin (Irene), and a granddaughter: Anne Louise Barber Dunlop.

Celebration of the Life of Helen Barber: Monday, February 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.