Helen Staas

LIMA -- Helen Elnore (Stoddard) Staas passed away in her sleep on July 20th in Lima, Ohio at the age of 89. She was born on September 25, 1935 in Lima.

On October 6, 1952 she married Dillon W. Staas, Jr. and they were married nearly 70 years, until his death in 2022. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Bernard Guy Stoddard and Samantha Jane (Haver) Stoddard, and by a brother Tom, a sister Dorothy, and a grandson Christopher.

She is survived by her eight children, Dillon (Rebecca) Staas, Guy (Sandy) Staas, Janie (Leon) Strasser, Karl (Cheryl) Staas, Donald (Theresa) Staas, Shara (Dennis) Bowsher, Nora (Danny) Williams, and Ginger (Doug) Fox, 28 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, 2 great-great, grandchildren, and a sister, Sue Cress. Also surviving are her good friends and neighbors of many years, Jeff and Teresa Grogg.

She lived out the end of her life at Kessler Senior Living Center, where the loving care by the staff was a great comfort to her and her family.

Helen was retired as a clerk with the U.S. Postal Service. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, and travelling. She particularly loved cruises, and travelling to the Far East with her husband. She attended St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elida. Helen was a selfless and giving person, who never sought attention or credit. Those who knew her best were particularly fond of her sense of humor. The focus of her life was her family. She was a wonderful mother to her children and her love for them knew no bounds.

Services will be at 4:00 on Saturday, July 26th at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elida, Ohio. The Reverend Dillon Staas will officiate. Visitation will be at the church from 2:00 until 4:00 on Saturday. Bayliff and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Johnny Appleseed Park District or LifeWise Academy.

Online condolences may be shared at BayliffAndSon.com.