Obituary for
Mary Crowder Helmer
Mary Crowder Helmer, 57, of Bloomington, passed away on Saturday April 12, 2014 at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis with her loving family at her side. Mary was born September 14, 1956 in Johnson City, Tennessee and was the daughter of Giles and Mary Belle (Carroll) Crowder. She received her undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Education from George Mason University. Mary taught for 24 years at Saunders Middle School in Woodbridge, Virginia and was currently a 7th and 8th grade science teacher at Jackson Creek Middle School in Bloomington. She attended Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. Mary loved gardening and spending time with her beloved husband, kids, and grandkids. Mary married Ronald Helmer in 1975 and he survives along with their three children, Tori Arther (Jay), Justin Helmer, and Kari Helmer all of Bloomington, and three grandchildren, Rylee Arther, Brody Arther and Sydney Arther-Griffith. Surviving siblings include brother Charlie Crowder (Cindy) of Georgia. Mary was adopted at a young age and later in life she found several birth siblings. Mary is also survived by her mother-in-law, Mildred Helmer, brother-in-law Jim Helmer (Deb), sister-in-law Lynette St. Vrain (Brad), and many nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Ralph Helmer. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday April 17, 2014 at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E. Rogers Road, Bloomington. Tom Ellsworth will officiate the service. Mary’s family will receive friends from 3-8 pm on Wednesday April 16, 2014 at The Funeral Chapel, 3000 E. Third Street, Bloomington and on Thursday from 12 pm until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Miles for Myeloma. Mary’s husband Ron was diagnosed a year ago with Multiple Myeloma and Mary was his biggest supporter on and off the track. Donations may be made at the funeral home/church or www.cancer.iu.edu/m4m.
Order Flowers
