Helen E. Cleveland

Helen Edith (Hitchcock) Cleveland, age 96, of Alma (formerly of Clare), went to be with her Lord on Thursday, November 26, 2015. Helen was born the youngest daughter of Ira A. and Eola M. (Thompson) Hitchcock on March 26, 1919 in Pine River, MI. Helen was a lifelong resident of the Clare area. She married Ernie S. Cleveland on November 30, 1934. From this union they had two children, Robert Stanley and Joyce Helen. Helen was a life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary 5758, a charter member of the James Ruder Chapter 33 of the Blue Star Mothers, and also a member of the Eastern Stars Zenobia Chapter #129. She was a member of the Clare Church of God and taught Sunday School to the Primary Class at Colonville Church of God. Helen also taught painting to the Rosebush 4H for five years. During WWII, Helen worked at Sutherland Paper Co. as a final inspector of the K-ration boxes for the armed forces. She also worked at Murphy's Restaurant and at Barnes Cafe for a period of time. Helen worked at Holly Carburetor and Aircraft of Chandler Evans for 26 years where she was a final inspector, and the only one to do inspections on the Apollo space flight. She worked at Clare Hospital as a volunteer, graduating with the second class of Grey Ladies. Helen also worked as a volunteer at Mesa Christmas Home in Mesa, AZ. where she wintered with her husband. She sang in the church choir at the Park Church in AZ. for 26 years. Helen leaves to mourn a daughter, Joyce (Virgil) Haggart of Rosebush; eight grandchildren, Maxine (Robert) Dick of Grand Ledge, Gary Haggart of Rosebush, Kim (John) Hovey of Rosebush, Brian Haggart of Clare, Robin (Brian Johnston) Cleveland of Williamston, Patricia (Joe) Mecklin of Plano, TX., Mark (Sandy) Cleveland of Westminster, CA., and Michael (Debbie) Cleveland of Bullhead City, AZ. She also leaves 15 great grandchildren, Christopher (Audry) Dick, Ashley Dick, Amber (Chancey) Rathburn, Cindy Hovey, Cristina (Kyle) Moeggenberg, Leslie (Matt) Hovey-Mingle, Amanda and Justin Haggart, Matthew (Robin) Shelby, Stacy (Shane) Slater, Elissa (Torey) Richmond-Gagne, Ryan Grubbs, and Zachary, Lexie, and Jason Cleveland. Her great great grandchildren include; Tre, Abigayle, Alexander, Madison, Gavin, Britton, Taylor, Madison, Tanner, Avery, Torey, Walter, Annette, Kennedy, Alex, Cailyn, Syriss, Malorie, Seth and Keenan. Helen had one great great great granchild Charlotte Harrison. She loved her husband of 59 years, children, grandchildren, and great great grandchildren dearly. She also leaves to mourn several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Ernie, in 1993; her son Robert in 2003; her parents; her sisters; Wilma Bradley, Ruth Herron, Margaret "Peg" Randle, Violet "Ina" Sutton; son-in-law, Max Haggart; granddaughter Cindy Haggart; niece, Mary Hefner; and nephew, Jack Herron, who was killed in Korea. Visitation and services will be held at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 30, from 3 to 7 P.M., and services will be Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 1 P.M. led by Chaplain Wayne Shidler. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery of Mt. Pleasant, MI., beside her husband Ernie and son, Bob. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Helen E. Cleveland

March 26, 1919 - November 26, 2015