Betty L. Helfer, age 74, Lillie Rd. Sheffield Twp., died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon while attending the Sheffield Twp. VFD & Rescue annual banquet.

She was born January 1, 1943 in Childersburg, AL, the daughter of Woodrow & Opal (Butts) Vines and has lived in the Conneaut and Jefferson areas most of her life.  Betty was a Conneaut High School graduate.  She was married to Everett E. Helfer on September 4, 1965 in Conneaut.

Betty was a U. S. Marine Corp veteran, serving from 1962-64.  Betty was employed with J. C. Penny’s, working in both their Conneaut and Ashtabula stores before turning to volunteer work; little league, 4-H and softball while raising her children.  She was a member of the Jefferson United Methodist Church, was active and served as auxiliary president of the Sheffield VFD, she also served as president of the Ashtabula Co. Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary and auxiliary president of the Ashtabula Co. Fair Board.  Betty volunteered and was active with the Ashtabula Co. Covered Bridge Committee.

Survivors include her husband, Everett, four children, Roberta (Claude) Kobernik, Christina Cusano, John (Darla) Helfer & Tonya (John) Fultz, all of Sheffield Twp., 10 grandchidlren, Nicholas, Bradley, Dwayne, Jeremy, Jackson, Isaac, Cheyanne, Michelin, Kimberly & David and a brother, Arlan (Connie) Vines of Pierpont Twp.  Her parents and a step-mother, Onia Mae Vines preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 A. M. at the Jefferson Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with the Rev. Neroy Carter and the Rev. Tim Krause officiating.  Burial will be in Gageville Cemetery. 

Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 5-7 P. M. and Thursday from 10-11 A. M. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions directed to the Sheffield VFD & Rescue, 3636 Sheffield-Monroe Rd., Kingsville, OH  44048 or the Ashtabula Co. Fair Board, P. O. Box 546, Jefferson, OH  44047, envelopes will also be at the funeral home.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Homes and staff are honored to serve the Betty Helfer family.  Visit fleming-billman.com to view obituary, express condolences, send a flower or light a candle.

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