Helen’s life began January 19, 1947, in Three Rivers, Michigan. She spent most of her lifetime enjoying her life in Watervliet with her large family and friends. Helen worked for many years in the Deli Department at South Haven Meijer. She enjoyed trying her luck at Bingo and the occasional trip to the casino. Helen’s greatest gift was her baking and cooking skills, she loved to gather people together for a good meal and always felt the more the merrier. She liked going shopping or finding a good deal on line while watching her soap operas.

Helen’s greatest joy was her family who she leaves behind to cherish her memory including: four children Richard (Paula) Shepherd, Linda (John) Hamilton, Robert Shepherd, and Christina (Tandy) Sipp; 15 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; four siblings Mary Jane Liles, Patricia Horton, Barbara Dublin, and Kelley Hamilton; a daughter-in-law Marlie Shepherd; and many nieces and nephews.

Helen died Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Corewell Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph. She is preceded in death; by her husband Robert Ray Shepherd, two sons Bobby and Chuckie, a great grandson Sean Hamilton, a great great granddaughter Paisleigh, her parents George and Mary (Howley) Dublin, mother-in-law Marie Hurst, and three siblings Butch Pearce, Carol Moser, and Tommy Dublin.

Visitation for Helen will be held Thursday, June 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Funeral Services will be celebrated Friday, June 26, at 11:00 am at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Watervliet.