Marian Ruth (Helsel) Bilyea

Marian Ruth Helsel was born at home in Lake City on April 11, 1956 to Hiram and Ruth Helsel.  As the youngest of their five children, Gary, Bud, Nancy, and Rosie, she also later had a step brother Dave, and step sisters Donna and Deb.  As a child she loved noodles and so her nickname "Noote" came to be.  Her red hair and sprinkle of freckles were sure signs of her impish behavior and free-spirited nature.  In her younger years, Noote was adventurous and a risk-taker.  She traveled and spent some time in Texas as well as in Mexico and California.  Although, she spent most of her twenties experiencing all that life had to offer, she eventually moved back home to her home town of Lake City, MI.  She came from a big family and therefore was blessed to have a big family of her own.  She started by having her first son Jason, later followed by Adam, Rachael, Kristopher, Jennifer, Jacob, Jonah, and Justin.  She lived life to its fullest and faced every obstacle head on.  She was a devoted wife and loving mother, sister, and friend.  Marian definitely had the artistic eye for many projects and could also tell a great story.  She loved to laugh and share her laughter, and she never held a grudge for too long.  She would open up her heart and her home to most anyone in need, and would always make sure that those who needed to hear her opinion would hear it.  She was of one mind—hers!  Marian thrived at knowing and growing various plants and flowers and enjoyed working in the earth.  Among her many hobbies, crocheting was a real passion of hers and over the years had made several hats and blankets to keep her
loved ones warm.

Marian is survived by her children Jason, Brooke, Adam, Rachael, Kristopher, Jennifer, Jacob, Jonah, and Justin; grandchildren, Erik, Erin, Brianna, Jorden, Logan, Addison, Alexia, Kyla, Allison, Gabriella, Naomi, Ben, AJ, and Brayden; siblings, Nancy Anklin and Rosie Warner; brother-in-law, Brian Bilyea; numerous nieces and nephews; many other loving family members and friends; and her faithful four-legged companion, Rudy Valentino.    

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Ruth Helsel; loving husband, Jim; brothers, Gary and Bud.


A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 ​from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. ​at the Pioneer Township Hall on 2914 W. Moorestown Road ​in Lake City, MI.​

The family would like to personally thank each and every one of you who choose to participate in this campaign by donating, sharing, praying, and making sure to treasure the moments you have with your own loved ones.

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