Mary Jane Helton

Obituary – Mary Jane Helton

Mary Jane Helton, affectionately known as Mum, Gangaw, Grammy, Nana and Nanny, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025 in State College, PA, at the blessed age of 94. She was born on January 5, 1931 to Richard White and Sarah Lemon. In 1947, she married John Morris Helton and together, they built a beautiful life, raising a large and loving family during their 54 years of marriage.

A woman of deep Christian convictions, Mary Jane lived a life anchored by her faith, her palpable love for God and a deep and abiding love for her family. Her legacy is one of faithfulness, compassion, resilience and quiet devotion. She was a wonderful woman, whose outward beauty was matched only by the beauty of her soul. 

Mary Jane enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her loved ones, sharing stories, laughter and unconditional love. She helped raise many of her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and even great grandchildren, pouring into their lives with tenderness, patience, wisdom and unending love.

At home, she enjoyed reading her Bible, completing word search puzzles and tending to her plants and flowers. She was a fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Calgary Stampeders, Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State Nittany Lions. She loved watching Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right and Jeopardy.

Her life was a living testament to the words of Proverbs 31. She was hardworking, diligent, wise, judicious, compassionate, charitable, faithful and above all, God-fearing. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” — Proverbs 31:28 

Mary Jane’s gentle spirit, joyful heart and steady presence will be remembered always by her family, friends and all who had the blessing of loving her. 

“She fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings; children, Charles Russell Helton, Martha Ann Helton, Claude George Helton and Ronald Cornell Helton; and her grandchildren, Jessica Lough and Jackie Lee Hunter, Jr. She is survived by her children, John Richard Helton (Nora), Carol Jean Ahmed (Omar), Ruth “Denna” Gibbs, Robert Helton, Morris Helton (Kim) and Vicki Edwards (Kevin), as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her legacy, a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Mount Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Mount Union, PA, on Thursday, May 29, at 11:00 AM, where those who love her will gather to give thanks for her remarkable life and lasting legacy. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heath-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 61 E. Shirley St., Mount Union, “Honored Provider of Veterans Funeral Care™.” Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com.