Helen M. Rybarski

Helen Marie Rybarski, 99, of Traverse City, MI, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Helen was born on June 18, 1921, in Hartford, MI, to Frank and Dora (Ottinger) Bigelow. Helen married William (Bill) Albert Rybarski on March 1, 1940, in Decatur, MI. Helen and Bill lived in Decatur and farmed until 1976, when she moved into town. In 1981, she moved to Traverse City. Helen enjoyed sewing and crocheting and was also known by her family as the “Yahtzee Queen.” Helen loved to play games and cards with her family and friends. Helen is survived by her two daughters, Marsha (Michael) Knight of Traverse City, MI, and Kathleen (Richard) Pittman of Huntsville, TX; nine grandchildren, Michelle (Bernard) Mikowski of Suttons Bay, MI, Christopher Knight of Bainbridge Island, WA, Melissa (Brian) Hunziker of Huntsville, TX, Jason (Megan) Pittman of The Woodlands, TX, Taylor (Carly) Pittman of Cypress, TX, Matthew Pittman of Huntsville, TX, William (Tinesha) Rybarski of Kalamazoo, MI, Robert (Dayna) Rybarski of Kalamazoo, MI, and Brittany Rybarski of Kalamazoo, MI. She is also survived by her twenty-one great-grandchildren, Anna, Andrew, Cathryn Mikowski, Mark, Matthew and Nicholas Knight, Ashley and Brian Hunziker, Olivia, Adilynn, and Ethan Pittman, Landon, Weston, Alaina, Liam and Gabrielle Rybarski, Aleczander, Ethyn and Caralena Fisher, Chloe and Alexandra Back. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Sandra, son William and two brothers, Raymond and Norman Bigelow. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at 11AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 500 W. St. Mary St., Decatur, with Father Homic officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, at Newell Chapel, 83313 M51, Decatur, from 10AM until 10:45AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.newell-chapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Newell Chapel & Cremation Services, Decatur