Helen Spitzley

Loving, gentle and kind, Helen Spitzley truly defined the meaning of devoted wife, loving mother and dedicated grandmother. An example to those entrusted in her care, she dedicated her life helping and nurturing the ones she loved with a full heart. Deeply loved, she will be dearly missed.

The infamous Roaring Twenties was a turning point in the American way of life. Jazz music blossomed, the flapper redefined modern womanhood, and women won the right to vote. The year 1923 marked many firsts, too, such as the founding of the Walt Disney Company, and with manufacturing at an all time high, the eight hour work day was introduced. Insulin became available for diabetics, and a vaccine for the whooping cough was developed. Amid these many changes, nestled in the small village of Westphalia, Michigan, Matthias and Anna (Fedewa) Hengesbach were welcoming the birth of their baby girl, Helen, born on September 10, 1923.

Founded by a close knit community of German immigrants, Helen was raised in Westphalia, and it remained the place she called home her whole life through. The youngest of six children, she grew up with her sisters, Rita and Rosemary, along with her brothers, Gilbert, Jerome and Alvin. German was the language of choice in their home. In fact, she never even learned or spoke any English until she began attending St. Mary's Catholic School as a youngster. Even tempered and fun loving, Helen made friends easily and enjoyed her childhood despite hard times.

With the onset of the Great Depression, life was a struggle for all. Growing up on their family farm taught her a good, hard work ethic which served her well throughout life. Her family pulled together during these times to keep their bean farm and small apple orchard going, albeit a struggle. Like most young people at this time, Helen received her education through the eighth grade.

Helen remained living on the family farm with her parents where she offered help and support. Her mother was a sickly woman, so much of the household chores were Helen's responsibility. She also helped on the farm when needed, and looked after her nieces and nephews. True to Helen's nature, she never gave it a second thought. She simply did what needed to be done, and it made her heart glad to be useful and helpful. Her strong work ethic was clearly evident, even during these times in her young life.

Although Helen had somewhat of a reserved nature, she knew how to have an enjoyable time with friends, too. They often took delightful rides together and had loads of fun attending the local dances and going to Hanses Bush in Westphalia. One night, while at one of the dances in a town nearby, Helen met a handsome fellow named Norman Spitzley who swept her off her feet. After dating several years and deeply in love, they were blessed in marriage on September 21, 1948, just days following Helen's 25th birthday.

The young couple bought a farm in the area and lived with Helen's parents while their farmhouse was being renovated. From there they worked hard building a thriving dairy farm, and before long were overjoyed to welcome children into their lives. Linda, Janice, Dennis and Mary brought Helen the greatest joy as a mother, and there was no place she'd rather have been than at home taking care of them. A kind, loving and gentle mother, she raised them well with all the love her heart could muster and placed them first above all else.

Together Helen and Norman reared their children in the Catholic faith. They were devout members of the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church where Helen was an active part of the Christian Mothers group. Always a very giving person, Helen never liked putting anyone out. She'd just as soon do for others, but was very gracious and appreciative when someone gave her a helping hand. Along with lovingly raising her family and making a good home for Norman and the kids, Helen enjoyed crocheting and needlework. She also loved working in her vegetable garden, and tended to her flower gardens full of zinnias, marigolds, gladiolas, irises and springtime daffodils.

Helen loved to sing and her children have fond memories of her humming a line or two around the house. Like a young schoolgirl, she enjoyed the teasing she received from Norman from time to time as their love grew ever stronger with time. Not only did he love her cooking, but her children relished some of the dishes which were family favorites. In their later years, Helen and Norman enjoyed spending time together traveling , playing Bingo and various card games after Norman retired from farming. Helen's joy was also found in the love of her grandchildren. Helen loved them with all her heart and often spoiled them with candy treats.

When Helen's beloved Norman suffered a sudden heart attack in 2005, his death left a gaping hole in her heart. Through her faith and the love of family and friends, she managed to get through the worst of times, and found keeping herself occupied and busy was best. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During this time she enjoyed a little travel with her sisters and brothers-in-law where good times were shared and enjoyed.

Not too long following Norman's death, however, Helen's own health slowly took a turn. In time she began suffering from Alzheimer's and gradually her health declined even further. In August last month, Helen reached the point when she needed round-the-clock care. She moved into the Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor where she sadly died on Monday, September 19, 2011 at the age of 88. As a woman who was so very proud of her family, Helen leaves a lasting legacy of love which will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Helen is survived by her children: Linda Shippey of Alabama, Janice (Eugene) Pohl of Portland, Dennis (Janice) Spitzley of Fowler, Mary (Edwin) Schafer of Portland; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; sisters: Rita Thelen and Rosemary Thelen; several brothers and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews. Also preceding her in death are her parents; a grandson, Christopher Spitzley; three brothers: Gilbert, Jerome and Alvin Hengesbach.

The Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Friday, September 23, 2011. Burial to follow at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. Her family will receive friends Wednesday, 6-9 PM with a Rosary at 8;00 PM, and again Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM with a Rosary at 3:00 PM and a Vigil Service at 8:00 PM at the George Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, Fowler.

To learn more about Helen and view her Life Story film, submit a favorite memory or photo and to sign her online guest book, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/73804. Contributions may be made in Helen’s name to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.