Helen Elizabeth McDowell, age 85, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 in Sharpsville, IN following a long illness. She was born in Leonidas, MI on Sep. 7, 1929 the daughter of Oscar N. and Nora L. (Crogan) Johnson. She was married to Jack McDowell on June 7, 1947 in Vicksburg. Helen worked at Notre Dame and later at Essex Wire. She was a Sunday School teacher and a founding member of the Singing McDoodles who performed at area nursing homes. She was greatly loved by all and shall be forever remembered and deeply missed.
Helen is survived by seven children, Cecil (Patsy) McDowell of Three Rivers, Sherry (Joe) Ruckman of Sharpsville, IN, Daniel (Jackie) McDowell of South Bend, Aceldr of Elkhart, Laura (Stan) Kathan of Wolcottville, IN, Deborah (Craig) Phillips of Lamar, AR, and James McDowell of Elkhart; 21 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; 2 sisters in law, Gertrude Bowers and Maxine Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and 4 brothers, Floyd, William, and Ray Johnson and Buck Bowers.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon followed by interment in Leonidas Cemetery. Memorials will be directed to the family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com