Helen L. Root

Helen L. Root, 85, of Berrien Springs passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph.

Born to Earl and Martha (Sheets) Curtis on March 28, 1932, Helen was raised in the Morton Hill area of Benton Harbor. A 1950 graduate of Benton Harbor High School, she was a nearly 50-year member of the First Presbyterian Church where on June 28, 1952, she exchanged wedding vows with George H. Root. After a move away from the twin cities in 1978, she continued her mission by becoming a faithful member of the Arden United Methodist Church.

Helen enjoyed volunteering at Lakeland facilities in Berrien Center serving “mocktails” and conversing with the residents there. Always on the go, she could be seen walking daily, wearing her big floppy hat and sunglasses, chatting with everybody she met. She enjoyed yardwork, feeding the birds and keeping up with the different varieties that migrate through the area.

She is survived by sons, David (Pamela) Root and Randall Root of Berrien Springs; grandchildren: Jason, Alissa, Alex, and Adam; great-grandchildren: Jason, Caleb, Nathan, and Ameliah; sister, Sally Thar of Peoria, Illinois; and brother, Glenn (Jacque) Curtis of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George on February 23, 1993; and son, Craig on September 23, 2014.

As per her request, cremation has taken place, and no service has been planned. Online messages www.allredfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Royalton Manor for the fabulous care and attention given to Mom during her difficult battle with dementia. Also to Dr. Sherry O’Donnell and her staff at Rappha Medical Center for all the years of patience, love, care, and support in dealing with Mom.