Helen "Fern" Stiles

Helen "Fern" Stiles
Helen "Fern" Stiles, 88, of Birch Run, MI, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Fern will be lovingly remembered for her passion for a lively card game and her joy in a fun trip to the casino.
Born on July 2, 1937, the daughter of Lloyd and Sarah Falkenhagen, Fern grew up with a strong love of family and community. She proudly dedicated over 30 years to teaching elementary school in the Birch Run School District, shaping the lives of countless students.
Outside the classroom, Fern cherished her time at her cabin in Houghton Lake, where summers were filled with boating adventures and late nights playing cards with her Cooper Street friends. In retirement, she continued to embrace life, spending half the year in Florida. Whether hosting the neighborhood ladies for cards or leading weekly bingo nights, she was always at the heart of the fun.
Fern lived her life to the fullest and on her own terms. True to her spirit, she made sure not to miss one last trip to the casino just three months ago.
Fern is survived by her four children: William Stiles (Terry), Rick Stiles (Tammi Waldorf), Kimberly Massa (Dave), and Michelle Trinklein (David); six grandchildren: Melissa Jacobs (James), Billy Stiles (Katlin), Adrienne Gavlinski (Adam), Kristin Dorr (Stephen), Stacy Thrasher (Jeff), and Jillian Convis (Bryan); and six great-grandchildren: Aiden Jacobs, Kenzie Jacobs, Amelia Dorr, Graysen Convis, Lucas Thrasher and Austin Thrasher. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Sarah, and her beloved poodle, Katy.
A Celebration of Life and luncheon to honor Fern will be held on October 5, 2025, at the Clio Eagles 3609, 13267 N. Saginaw Rd., Clio, MI, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Saginaw County Humane Society in Fern's honor.