Helen M. Rayburn age 88 of Ithaca died Thursday, February 5, 2004 at Michigan Masonic Pathways in Alma, Michigan.
Memorial Services will be held Thursday, March 4, 2004 at 1:00 P.M. at Ithaca First Presbyterian Church, Ithaca, Michigan. Mr. Alan Johnson will officiate. Condolences can be expressed to the family at Helena�(TM)s home 218 S. Ithaca Street, Ithaca, Michigan.
Helen was born in Ashley, Michigan on November 27, 1915 the daughter of Ervan L. & Blanch ( Wilkins ) Kennett. She graduated from Ashley High School in 1933 then attended Country Normal. She married Donald Rayburn on May 30, 1936. Don passed away on September 2, 1990. Helen was a teacher at Mead Country Schools in Lafayette Township for a year; she was then a homemaker and raised her children. In 1952 she started working at Ithaca Public Schools until 1969. Helen then went to work for Mid-Michigan District Health Department until her retirement. She was an avid golfer, enjoyed bowling, knitting, sewing, and crocheting. She was a wonderful cook who enjoyed sharing her home with friends and family. She was very active in youth activities through her mid years. Helen was a member of Ithaca First Presbyterian Church. She was also a lifetime member of Gratiot Country Club, as well as Ithaca Child Study Club, Presbyterian Ladies Guild, and Thompson Home Library Book Club.
Survivors include; her 3 children Patricia Ann & Herb Johnson of Aberdeen, WA, John William & "Cookie" Rayburn of Sunnyside, WA, Michael K & Annette Rayburn of Grand Rapids, MI, 7 grandchildren; Nathan Johnson, Kirsten Johnson, Kellee McElhoe, Erinn McElhoe, Graham Rayburn, Paul Rayburn, and Logan Rayburn. 5 step grandchildren; Thomas Odell, Chris Odell, Kelly Keyser, Amy Robertson, Anthony Odell and 12 step great grandchildren 2 sisters; Audrey Glowney of Flint, MI, Arlene & John Gooding of Commerce Twp, MI, brother-in-law & sister-in-law Paul & Nedra Rayburn of Alma, MI, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Thompson Home Library, Michigan Masonic Pathways, or Make A Wish Foundation. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel.
Read Helen Rayburn's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.