Helen Aili Merelyn Arntz

July 29, 1935 – May 19, 2025

Helen Aili Merelyn (Raty) Arntz went to be with God, her Father, and her Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 19, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born on July 29, 1935, in Pelkie, Michigan—nestled in the Upper Peninsula—Helen was the daughter of Finnish immigrants Jaakko and Aili Raty. Her life was rooted deeply in faith, family, and service. During her early childhood, the family moved to the Detroit area, where Helen grew up and began a lifelong walk with Christ. At 11 years old, on March 14, 1947, she accepted Jesus as her Savior while attending Highland Park Baptist Church.

Helen pursued a career in nursing, graduating from Highland Park General Hospital School of Nursing in September 1956. Her calling to care for others was lived out with grace and dedication.

Her life changed again when she joined the church choir at Highland Park Baptist, where she caught the eye of Doug Arntz, who would become the love of her life. They were married on March 2, 1957, and spent 56 beautiful years together, raising four children—Janine, Sue, Jon, and Steve. Their life together took them from Warren, Michigan, to Racine, Wisconsin, and back to Warren, until their final move to Clinton Township. Together, they faithfully served at Redeemer Baptist Church for nearly four decades—Doug as a deacon and elder, Helen as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, Vacation Bible School volunteer, and faithful participant in prayer groups.

Helen worked as a nurse at South Macomb Hospital for many years, choosing the afternoon shift so she could be present for her children each morning. She always ensured a meal was ready before she left, caring for her family with the same devotion she gave to her patients. She rose to the role of Nursing Supervisor and fulfilled it with quiet excellence and deep respect for the medical profession.

Together, Helen and Doug shared a sense of adventure, enjoying travels to Hawaii, Europe (with her sister Ruth and brother-in-law Red), cruises, and winters in Florida.

With the arrival of her first grandchild in 1982, Helen embraced one of her most cherished roles: Nana and Grandma. She was immensely proud of her 28 grandchildren and 68 great-grandchildren. A woman of many talents, Helen expressed her love through handmade gifts—knitting, crocheting, sewing, and embroidery. From stuffed animals to sweaters to personalized birthday afghans, she lovingly crafted heirlooms that became treasured family traditions. Helen also shared her love of music, playing piano and singing hymns—gifts she passed down through generations.

Helen is survived by her children: Janine (Ernie) Rossol, Sue (Howard) Summerville, Jon (Cindy) Arntz, and Steve (Robin) Arntz, and by her 28 grandchildren: Justin (Renee) Summerville, Rachel (Tim) Stricklen, Lauren (Bryan) Ball, Sarah (Alan) Dutko, Benjamin Rossol, Brett (Baili) Summerville, Anna (Jason) Everitt, Maureen (James) LaQuiere, Joshua Rossol, Hannah Arntz, Elyssa (Kyle) Shelton, Katy (Chad) Krueger, Rebecca Rossol, Jonathan (Rebekah) Arntz, Abigail (Ryan) Gasparotto, Zachary Arntz, Julia (Josiah) Krueger, Timothy Rossol, Emily Arntz, Lydia (Gordon) Russell, Ruth (Seth) Krueger, Luke Rossol, Katlyn (Brett) Russell, Megan Arntz, Angela (Jeff) Krueger, Daniel Arntz, Grace Rossol, and Jason Arntz. She is also survived by 67 of her great-grandchildren: Kayleigh, Michael, Ashley, Tyler, Charlotte, Katherine, Evan, Alayna, Molly, Brianna, David, James, Arthur, Rory, Adelaide, John, Hunter, Miriam, Kim, Mary, Eleanor, Celia, Laura, Brady, Lavender, Aili, Jessica, Genevieve, Jax, Brianna, Mila, Matthew, Miles, Ella, Israel, Ashton, Louise, Jade, Jeremy, Lucy, Jordyn, Layla, Douglas, Jude, Vera, Rocky, Daisy, Logan, Kaylee, Andrew, Jerry, Summer, Belle, Felicity, Indiana, Judah, Peter, Desmond, Hugh, William, Jolina, Hank, Brooke, Benjamin, Nathan, Gerard, Hallie and Hailey.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Douglas Arntz, her parents Jaakko and Aili (Mattson) Raty, her sisters and brothers-in-law Ruth and Verlin Rich, Aino and Van Keeler, and her great-grandson Samuel Stricklen.

She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith.

Visitation Tuesday, May 27th from 2pm to 8pm at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, Warren, MI 48088. Helen will lie instate on Wednesday, May 28th from 9:30am until time of Funeral service at 10:30am at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 17017 E 12 Mile Road, Roseville, MI 48066. The funeral service will be live streamed please check the church’s website for the further information on where to access this link on Wednesday. Helen will be laid to rest at White Chapel Cemetery, 621 W Long Lake Road, Troy, MI 48098 at 2:30pm.