Obituary

Service: Thursday, July 11, 2013 - 10 a.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville

Calling: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 - 4 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home ********************************************************************* M. Joann Helmer, 92, of Avilla died Sunday, July 7, 2013, at 11:45 p.m. in her residence.

She graduated from Kendallville High School in 1939, and has resided in Avilla for most of her life.

Mrs. Helmer was a secretary at Flint & Walling in Kendallville for ten years.

Joann enjoyed sewing and cooking. She attended St. Mary's Catholic Church in Avilla.

She was born April 25, 1921, in Tipton to John and Hildred (Pershing) Howerton. On February 7, 1948, in Kendallville she married Virgil L. Helmer. He preceded her in death in 1987.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda Helmer-Jones of Carrollton, Georgia, and Leann (Richard) McGee of Kendallville; a son, John (Liz) Helmer of Kentwood, Michigan; five grandchildren, Aaron Jones of Carrollton, Georgia, Abbie Lash of Avilla, Amanda Helmer of Kentwood, Michigan, Joe Helmer of Kentwood, Michigan, and Michael Helmer of Kentwood, Michigan; and two great grandchildren, Ava Lash and Claire Lash.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, John Howerton, Jr.

Funeral services will be Thursday, July 11, 2013, at 10 a.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Avilla.

Calling is Wednesday, July 10, 2013, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Noble County Community Foundation, 1599 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, Indiana, 46767.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com