Dec. 8, 1912 — Nov. 16, 2014

Helen A. Avery, age 101, of Dowagiac, passed away Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014 in Orchard Grove Extended Care Center in Benton Harbor.

Helen was born Dec. 8, 1912 in Altoona, Iowa, the daughter of Dick and Helen (Rooker) Bouma.

She was a charter member of the Sister Lakes Community Church and a charter member of the VFW Ladies Aux. Post No. 1155 of Benton Harbor and a lifetime member of VFW Ladies Aux. Celery City Post No. 6248 of Decatur.

Survivors include daughter Zerelda Merfeld, of Benton Harbor; two sons, Paul Avery, of Kentucky, Dale (Evelyn) Avery, of Decatur; 17 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; 63 great-great grandchildren; and a brother, Willis Bouma, of Watervliet.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Irwin, son Floyd Avery Sr., grandson Floyd Avery Jr., great granddaughter Consuelo Tyler, two sisters and four brothers.

Cremation has taken place. Friends may call Friday 5 to 7 p.m. in the Newell Funeral Home, Decatur. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in Sister Lakes Community Church with Pastor Doug Cuthbert and Pastor Scott Stambaugh officiating. Memorials may be directed to the family.