Helen Beecher

Helen M. Beecher, age 94 years, of Caro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at her home with her children by her side. She was born on October 2, 1913 in Ellington Township to the late George and Neta (Parker) Hudson. She was a lifelong resident of the Caro area. The former Helen Hudson and Willis “Leroy” Beecher were united in marriage on December 9, 1933 in Caro. Leroy preceded her in death on March 6, 1984. She was a homemaker, mother and friend to her family and acquaintances. Helen was a very strong person who endured many hardships with true grit. She loved her home, family, flowers, cooking, baking, and attending exercise classes. Family gatherings at holidays and birthdays were special occasions for Helen. She was a good friend and neighbor, both on the farm and after moving to town. In addition to attending the Caro United Methodist Church, she was an active member of senior citizens groups. She is survived by her children, Dale Beecher of Davisburg, Iola Cragg of Fairgrove, Janet (Richard) Fullmer of Caro, Louise (Al) Ewald of Caro, Barbara (Ray) Dulin of Athens, Texas and Carolyn (Kenneth) Hayes of Caro; 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren, 12 step-great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-great-grandchildren; her siblings, Watson (Katherine) Hudson of Caro and Jay (Jewell) Hudson of Flint; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sons, Herbert, Keith and Jay Beecher; a daughter, Marie Findlay; a grandson, Mark Leroy Beecher; a great grandson, David Findlay, Jr.; three daughters-in-law, Patricia, JoNell and Beverly Beecher; two sons-in-law, Robert Cragg and Jerry Findlay; two brothers, Harold and George “Ed” Hudson; and two sisters, Thelma Putnam and Lotela Lockwood. The funeral service will be held at the Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Monday, September 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jerry Smith of the Caro United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be at Almer Township Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Collon Funeral Home on Sunday, September 28, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030.