Helen Shoup

Helen May Biddle Shoup, 89, died March 25, 2006. She went home to be with Jesus on Saturday morning following a brief illness. She passed away at the assisted living facility of Feridean Commons in Westerville, Ohio, her lovely home for the last few years. Helen was born the youngest of seven children to William and Nora Horn Biddle on March 4, 1917, in Richland County, spending the majority of her life in Mansfield, Ohio. Mrs. Shoup devoted her life to being a loving and faithful wife and mother and caregiver to her dear husband, Howard, to whom she was married fifty-nine years; and to her children, Jim, Carol, and Marty; in addition to serving as major caregiver to her father-in-law for many of the best years of her life. She was a wonderful cook and baker and worked hard to please the many relatives and friends who came to visit on a regular basis as well as at holiday time. Her generosity of love, faith, and spirit was unsurpassed. She touched and was loved by everyone who knew her. She was a lifelong and active member of the First English Lutheran Church in Mansfield, which was most important to her.

She is survived by her children: James Sonja Shoup of Lewis Center, Ohio, her major caregivers for the last three years; Carol Smith of Radcliff, Kentucky; and Martha Marvin Klupp of Sandusky, Ohio. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Cathleen David Tyler, Earl Brenda Smith, Michael Michelle Smith, Brian Bobbi Shoup, Brenda Shoup, and Jim Brook Shoup; and fourteen great-grandchildren: JoAnna and Amanda Tyler; Tommy, Sarah, and Ashley Smith; Shawna and Timmy Burdine; Nicole Michael Dague; Justin and Brittney Smith; Jessica, Clarissa, and Kayla Shoup; and Ever Shoup. Her first great-great-grandson Joshua is about to be born. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Howard J. Shoup in 1995, a great-grandson Jeremy Smith in 1989, three sisters, and three brothers.

Calling hours will be observed Sunday, April 2, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of the Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services conducted by Rev. Cloyd E. Kress, will be held at the funeral home, Monday, April 3, at 12:00 p.m. with additional calling hours beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Franklin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First English Lutheran Church, 53 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio 44902; or to the hospice service of your choice.