Helen Marie Andrus, 96, of Reese, died Wednesday afternoon, June 27, 2012 at the Satchell Christian Retirement Home in Caro. She was born July 7, 1915 in Akron, daughter of the late Kenneth and Martha (Horst) Gilmore. She graduated from Akron High School and attended County Normal. On October 10, 1936 she was married to Charles “Chuck” Andrus in Reese. He predeceased her September 22, 1999. Helen and her husband owned and operated Andrus Hatchery and Poultry Farm in Reese which was well known for their White Rocks of selective breeding until 1965. She and Chuck wintered in Florida for many years and enjoyed traveling. Helen was a faithful member of the Reese United Methodist Church and served as the Financial Secretary for many years. Her hobbies included crocheting and painting in her early years.

Surviving are her three son and their spouses, Rev. Richard C. and Jean Andrus of New Baltimore; Lanson and Bonnie Andrus of Lady Lake, Florida and Robert Andrus of Grayling; eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and two sisters-in-law, Karen Gilmore of Elizabethtown, N.C. and Betty Andrus of Reese. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, Ervin and Robert Gilmore and one sister, Ruth Wark.

Funeral and committal services will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 1, 2012 from the Reese United Methodist Church. Pastor Jon Gougeon will officiate with private burial to take place later in the Denmark Township Cemetery. Helen’s family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral home on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. and at the church on Sunday from 1 p.m. until services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Reese United Methodist Church.

Notification Published by Ware-Smith-Woolever FH-Reese

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