Mary Lee Helms

Mary Lee Helms, 87, of New Buffalo, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2014 in Bridgman, MI at Country Manor Care Center. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo.   Mary was born in Ronda, Arkansas on Sept. 2, 1926 to Charles and Linas (Mooney) Moore. She married Pershing ‘Bob’ Helms on June 24, 1944 in Marvell, Arkansas. In 1962 they came to Three Oaks, and several years later they settled in New Buffalo. Mary worked at Plastic Masters for 27 years. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards, camping and fishing, but most of all loved spending time with her family and family dinners. Mary was a good person, mother, grandmother, and generally just loved people.   Mary is survived by her children – Billy (Martha) Helms of Clarksville, Arkansas, Dollie ‘Cookie’ (Al) Jumche of LaPorte, IN, Joan (Fred) Wyse of New Buffalo, Mary (Jim) Bell of New Buffalo and Hubert Helms of New Buffalo; 15 Grandchildren; 31 Great Grandchildren; 4 Great Great Grandchildren; 2 Brothers – R.D. (Helen) Moore of Denver City, TX and Billy (Dorothy) Moore of Marvell, Arkansas; and 4 Sisters – Arlene Mooney of Benton, Arkansas, Janie Ellenberg of Dewitt, Arkansas, Alice Short of Florence, Mississippi, and Paulette (Steve) Ravesies of Brandon, Mississippi. She is preceded in death by her parents-Charles and Linas, her husband-Bob, daughter-Sandra Faye, son-James Helms, grandchildren-Nola Kelley, Robert Walden and Terry Walden, and brothers-Weldon, Max and A.B. Moore.   A Celebration of Life service will be held on Mon., March 17, 11:00am, at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, with Pastor Sherri Swanson officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Visitation is on Sun., March 16, from 2:00-5:00pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Berrien County Cancer Service. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com