Helen Marie Swartz, 90, resident of Whitney Township entered her eternal home Wednesday, February 1, 2012.  She was born on July 24, 1921 to Claude and Emma Culp in Brethren, Michigan.  On April15, 1950, she was married to Elmer Swartz. He preceded her in death on October 4, 2007.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter-in-law, Linda and one granddaughter, Nicole.

Helen was a homemaker and loving mother. Her gifts included writing poetry, prolific letter writing and encouraging many people through the written and spoken word.  She was known for singing with her husband and was a supporter of him in his ministry as Pastor at National City Mennonite Church.  Throughout their lives, there was always someone who depended on them for support and their table was often filled with guests, family and friends.  The Christian bookstore in Whittemore also enhanced their relationships in the community.

She is survived by her sister Ruth Culp, three sons, Ken (Sue) of Au Gres, Lyle (Fern) of Tawas City, Dean (Elisa) of National City and daughter Ruth Ann (Tim) Welty of McDonough, GA.  Her grandchildren include Becky (Jason) Chronowski, Julie (Vincent) Kabo, Barbara (Christopher) Hooker, BethAnne Allen, Monica Swartz, Matthew Swartz, Brittany Swartz, and Rachel Welty; great-grandchildren, Liam and Aiden Kabo and Katie and Cameron Chronowski.

Visitation will be at National City Mennonite Church on Saturday, February 4, from 3:00-8:00 PM.  Funeral services will be held at Riverside Mennonite Church on Sunday, February 5, at 2:30 PM.  Pastors Gerald Swartz and Ron Swartz will officiate.  Burial will be in Sims-Whitney Cemetery.  On line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.  Funeral arrangements are by the Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City, MI