Helen Alice Manthe

Helen was born on September 26, 1944, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to Raymond Gerald Payne and Grace Marion Payne.

From 1989 until his passing in 2016, Helen shared her life with her longtime partner, Howard Leroy James. Together, they shared many years of love, companionship, and memories.

Helen was a woman of remarkable strength, determination, and character. Those who knew her knew that she could be stubborn, but that same stubbornness was part of the strength that carried her through life's many seasons. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could captivate those around her with stories of days and times gone by.

A gifted seamstress, Helen owned and operated Helen's Sewing and Alterations, where her talent and skill were evident in her work. Sewing was more than a profession for Helen - it was a gift she shared with others throughout her life.

Helen was a longtime member of Faith Baptist Church in Homosassa, Florida, and her faith was an important part of her life. She was a faithful reader of her Bible and found strength and comfort in the Word of God.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures. Helen loved gardening and singing, and she enjoyed her evening cup of coffee at Jones Restaurant in Crystal River. Family and friends will also remember her as a famous fudge maker, whose fudge became a special treat enjoyed by many.

Above all, Helen leaves behind a tremendous family legacy.

She is survived by her daughters, Alice Dawn Randall and her husband, Richard; Margurite "Peggy" Marion Fields, and her late husband, Rick; Marie Francis Craig and her husband, Stewart; and Caroljean Helen Manthe and her companion, Scott Bertram. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

In a beautiful and unforgettable moment surrounding Helen's final hours, her great-great-granddaughter was born just 30 minutes before Helen's passing - one generation entering this world as another completed her journey.

Helen was preceded in death by her longtime partner, Howard Leroy James; her daughter, Linda Marlene Goodman; her parents, Raymond Gerald Payne and Grace Marion Payne; her brother, Raymond Gerald Payne Jr.; her sister, Carol Jean Payne; and her great-grandson, Maxwell Roger Ellison.

Helen's life will be remembered through the family she loved, the stories she told, the laughter she shared, the things she created with her hands, and the faith she carried in her heart. Her 81 years were filled with family, hard work, strength, humor, and memories that will continue to be told for generations to come.

2 Timothy 4:7 KJV "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"

Funeral services for Helen will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Citrus County, 4041 S Skylark Terr in Homosassa with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will immediately follow the funeral.

Though Helen's course on this Earth has come to an end, the love, strength, laughter, stories, and faith she gave to her family will live on through the generations she leaves behind.