Roberta Lou Helms

Roberta Lou (Galloway) Helms, 89, died peacefully at her home in Ionia, MI on November 2, 2025. Roberta was born on May 16, 1936, on the family farm in Orange Township to her parents, Robert and Lucy (Barnard) Galloway.
Roberta, known more commonly to her friends as Bobbie Lou, married her husband of 66 years, Robert Roy Helms, in October 1956. Robert & Roberta or Bob & Bobbie Lou were a match made in Heaven. They raised their three children, David, Ed and Marcia on their farm where both she and Bob took their last breaths.
Besides being a wonderful wife, and mother, Roberta conducted the Children's Choir at LeValley Church, taught at and helped plan Vacation Bible School and was an active member of the PTA when her children were younger. She was active in church, always willing to lend a helping hand. In her younger years, she was chosen to represent the farming community as the Ionia County Dairy Queen. Roberta worked at the Ionia County Extension Office for a time, which was fitting as she loved farming and was a lifelong participant and supporter of the 4-H program. She later went on to serve as the Orange Township Clerk for over 20 years.
Bobbie Lou enjoyed many things in life but was not known for wanting material things. She was most happy surrounded by her family and friends. She had a love of Gospel Music, bells, birds, and anything that shed light in the darkness such as Christmas tree lights, luminaries , and lanterns. "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, in him there is no darkness at all." ~ 1 John 1:5
Roberta is preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents and Bob's parents and siblings. She is survived by her children, David (Vicki) Helms, Ed (Betsy)Helms and Marcia (Tim ) Miller. Grandchildren Elizabeth Helms, Melissa Helms, Peggy (Matt) Conley, Ashley (Bryan) McMahon, Paige (Travis) Sanicki, Kimberly (Don) Beard and Kyle (Jessica) Miller. Great Grandchildren Tobbie Helms; Max & Molly Conley; Caelyn, Rebekah and Elliery McMahon; Kinsley & Klaire Sanicki: Audrey, Lane and Bella Beard; Hudson & Charlotte Miller; and Great-Great Grandchildren Sterling Helms, Haylin Helms and Colson Helms. Siblings Clint (Kris Slowins) Galloway, Nancy (Norman) McKendry, Gordon (Cheryl) Galloway, Rick (Bonnie) Galloway and Rodney (Chris) Galloway and several nieces and nephews.
Her family invites you to join us as we celebrate Roberta's life on November 7 , 2025 at 12:00 pm at LeValley Global Methodist Church with Pastor Nancy Patera and Gordon Galloway presiding. Visitation with be held November 6, 2025 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at Lake Funeral Home in Ionia.
Donations in memory of Roberta can be made to LeValley Global Methodist Church.