Helen Frances Stauffer

Helen F Stauffer passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025, surrounded by her children and the caring staff at Divine Life Assisted Living Center. She was born on September 29, 1924, in Gratiot County, Michigan. Helen was a cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and recently a great great-grandmother.

Helen experienced much happiness, joy and love along with more than her share of hardships and sorrow during her life journey of 100 years. But through it all, she kept a perspective of hope, contentment, and peace.

Her work career from so many years past included secretarial, administrative assistant, and project manager positions with various organizations. But what really defined Helen was her devotion to her husband Gene (and the 73 years they shared before his passing) and her love for the family they raised together. Helen cherished being with her children and grandchildren, eagerly anticipating their visits, calls, or texts. She relished hearing about their daily lives, activities, hopes, and plans, and in her younger days, provided loving daycare for many of them. Helen exemplified the role of soulmate and helpmate to Gene and that of mother to her children.

Helen had a sparkling personality; she was outgoing and quick to engage in conversation. It never took her long to make an acquaintance who quickly became a dear and devoted friend. Her smile and laugh could light up a room. She was also confident and a bit strong-willed, you knew where she stood on things because she would let you know.

Helen was always busy, enjoying all kinds of crafts, but her biggest passion was sewing. She spent many hours at her sewing machine or with needle and thread in hand. For years, Helen crafted thousands of doll clothes that she and Gene then sold at area craft shows.

Her interests were many. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan who rarely missed a broadcast. She knew them by name and cheered them on no matter the outcome. Helen was a long-time MSU Spartan fan and especially loved it when they won. Helen was an avid reader and polished off many a book, she enjoyed word search puzzles as well. She played many different table games over the years, but her favorite one was Skip-Bo. There were many rounds played with Gene, children, and especially with her grandchildren. She had a competitive spirit, so she would make them earn their wins.

Helen was a devoted Christian, and her faith was rock solid. She read Bible scripture and daily devotions through her last days. Helen was a longtime member of the former First Baptist Church of Okemos. She and Gene were active with Gideons International, an organization they joined in the early 1950’s.

Helen’s legacy will be carried on by her children, Russell, Sheila (Jeff), and Gordon (Teri); her grandchildren, Amy, Matt, Ben, Chris, Heidi (Bryan), Amber, Bret (Kelsey), Ryan (Anna), Trevor, Jill, Brad, Mitch, and Kristen (Zach); 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; her sister, Marjorie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen has now been reunited with husband, Gene; parents, Fred and Leota; sons, Donald, Richard, Rodney, and Daryl; brother, Wilfred; and grandchildren, Teresa and Lee.

Helen will be dearly missed but fondly remembered. Her life was long and well-lived, characterized by a love for family and friends, a happy but resilient spirit, and an engaging smile.

Her family would like to express our overwhelming gratitude to the staff at Divine Life for their love, friendship, and care for Helen. She was at home among them and felt safe and secure in their care. Also, we give our thanks to Elara Caring Hospice for their care and comfort of Helen in her final days. Lastly, thank you to her friends from Mother Teresa House, whose friendship she cherished.

The funeral service for Helen will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 1:00 pm with visitation starting at 12:00pm at Gorsline Runciman, East Lansing Chapel, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. Interment to follow at Glendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Helen can be made to: Gideon’s International, Lansing Northeast, PO Box 537, Okemos MI 48805-0537 or Mother Teresa House, 308 N Walnut St, Lansing MI 48933.