Helen Dykster Rigley Boren's Obituary
Helen Dykster Rigley Boren passed away on December 5th, 2023 due to complications from a severe hematoma in her spine. Our hearts are broken at her unexpected passing. She was born December 27th, 1941 to John Henry Dykster and Emma Lea Higgs. She is one of 9 children. Her siblings include: Betty (Rudy) Moser, Vivian (Ray) Magagna, June (Bob) Hensley, John Henry (Sue) Dykster, Darlene (Jerry) Allred, Jeanette (Jake) Pultrum, Kay Dykster, Sharon (Benny) Benson. She married Kenneth (Kenny) Gene Rigley and together they had 3 children: Ann (Mark) Pearson, Kenny (Lisa) Rigley, Jeff (Kari) Rigley. She was only 38 when her husband (Kenneth G.) passed away on Christmas day, 1980. Some years later she married Don Boren. They were later divorced. She was preceded in death by her husband (Kenneth G.), her parents, her brother and several of her sisters as well as her children Ann and Jeff. These losses were a cause of great grief to her.
She was employed at several locations during her lifetime, but served longest for the Internal Revenue Service as an auditor in Ogden Utah, from which location she retired. She received several awards for her outstanding service. She often received straight A grades when attending Ogden High School. At Ogden High she was a member of the Red Cross and Literary Harvest clubs in the class of 1959.
She loved fresh fruits and vegetables and appreciated all who would share them with her. She loved to knit and crochet and made many blankets, scarfs, sweaters and socks. She collected and loved to watch a good movie or T.V. show. She loved to travel. She loved her indoor plants. She loved family get-togethers and a Sunday visit. Christmas brunch at her house was a tradition for many years.
She was a dutiful mother, instilling in her children the values of honesty and hard work. She served and loved them as only a mother could. Though disagreements often occurred, at no point in all their lives was her relationship with them strained beyond repair. She loved her family and they loved her back. Their pain was her pain, their joy was her joy.
She was a pragmatic person. She sometimes gave advice when it was not wanted, made observations that were not appreciated, and asked questions that were too personal. These attributes sometimes caused offense or made people feel uncomfortable. Along with her unique characteristics, deep down in her heart she cared and loved for all members of her family.
I, her son Kenny, was with her during her final moments. I felt that family who have already passed on were there to receive and greet her. At her burial site I felt a spiritual group-hug from her and several family members as I stood alone in the cold. I am confident that because Christ conquered death and will heal the consequences of all our sins and mistakes, we will all see each other again, forgive each other, and rejoice together. Thanks for everything, mom!
A family graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 16th at 2pm at the Ogden City Cemetery.
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