Virginia Jane Helmuth

Virginia J. Helmuth, 91, of Benton Harbor, went home to be with her Savior on, April 15, 2016 at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Benton Harbor. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on, April 17 , 2016 at the Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 40602 M-62 W., Dowagiac, MI. with her grandson Pastor Casey Helmuth officiating. She will be laid to rest in Graceland Cemetery during a private family burial.. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 2:00 P.M. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home or to The Apostolic Lighthouse in her memory. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Virginia online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Virginia was born on July 31, 1924 in South Bend, IN to Blanche Smith. Her father, “Bampoo” Howard Vermilyer, came into her life when she was a child and raised her as his own. Virginia married the love of her life, George E. Helmuth, Sr., on February 6, 1943 in Webb City, MO. Virginia was the greatest example of a wife, mother and grandmother. She assisted her husband for 51 years in establishing churches in Bridgman, Battle Creek, Muskegon and Three Oaks. Virginia served as the Michigan District Ladies Auxiliary President of the UPCI organization for many years. She was a prayer warrior and she started every day with prayer and devotion. She was the ultimate hostess. Her home was always inviting and welcoming to her family, friends, visiting ministers and missionaries. Virginia loved to bake and cook for her family. Her Asian coleslaw was a staple at all events. Virginia’s loving family includes her four children; Patricia Helmuth of Cuenca, Ecuador, George (Helen Rowland) Helmuth, Jr. of Baldwin, Michigan, David (Barbara) Helmuth of Naples, Florida, Debby (Dale) Baker of Benton Harbor, Michigan; grandchildren, Ginger (Sam) Billingsley, George Hackworth, Joshua Silva, Daren (Patty) Naragon, Doug Naragon, George (Sarah) Helmuth III, Jason Busick, Tami (Brian) DeLong, Michelle (Eric) Charles, David S. (Jennifer) Helmuth, Casey (Sheila) Helmuth, Joel (Sarah) Buist, Cory (Tiffeny) Buist and Jeremy Baker; great-grandchildren, Gynnifer (David) Heffington, Jimmy (Megan) Dobbs, Ronald, Nickolas and Megan Hackworth, Diana and  Gabriel Silva, Tara, Brandon and Douglas “DJ” Naragon, Samantha (James Tiller) Dalka, George Helmuth IV, Hailey and Logan Helmuth, Brian David, Amanda and Dianna DeLong, Eric Lee (Desiree), Paige, Mack and Wyatt Charles, Morgan, David Coy, Madison, Jacob, Ethan and Allison Helmuth,  Kyle, Krystin, Katie and Ryan Buist; great-great-grandchildren, Greyson Dobbs, Jedadiah Heffington and Cayden Dalka-Tiller, brother Joseph W. Vermilyer and her beloved dog, Sugar. Virginia was welcomed in heaven by her husband George, her daughter-in-law Janice Helmuth and a host of friends and family.