Helene Martin Troth, 77, of Granger, IN, formerly of Decatur, AL, went home to be with Jesus, Wednesday afternoon while sleeping in her apartment. Her beloved husband of 56 years was privileged to be with her and to kiss both her lips and cheek not long before she passed.
Helene was born to Elaine Leitz Martin and John Gray Martin on August 20, 1938, in New Orleans, LA, where she enjoyed a wonderful childhood with younger sister, Carolyn Martin Santonicola and favorite cousins, the Nungessers. She met and married William Atwood Troth on August 15, 1959, after only 3 months of courtship. Helene most enjoyed her career as a mother, in addition to her careers in sales and administrative work, but her family is especially grateful for her final career as a pastor’s wife. This she did the longest and best, as she supported husband, Pastor Bill Troth through the years, including a 1988 24-church Praise Conference in Lufkin, Texas, and the writing, editing, and 2011 publishing of his book, MILK AND HONEY MAN.
Helene’s heart of compassion, hospitality, and generosity touched all who knew her. Because of her kindness and inclusiveness, her Decatur, Alabama, Newcomer’s Club elected her as president, a role she cherished. She ministered to others every day of her life. Even when her own body was failing, she was thinking of others.
Helene is survived by her best friend, William Atwood “Bill” Troth; son Richard Martin Troth; daughter, Diane Helene Troth Bennett; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Nerren Troth; son-in-law, Scott Leslie Bennett; and grandchildren, Michelle Troth, Martin Troth, Leslie Bennett, Sissie Bennett, and Billie Bennett. We will miss most the world’s best back scratching, spontaneous hymn singing, and Bill & Helene’s “jitterbug” whenever any music was playing. If you are reading this message, Helene would want to say “To You:”, “The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.” He has certainly done so for Helene.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. E.S.T., today at Calvary Baptist Church, Bendix Dr. at Cleveland Rd., South Bend, IN, with the funeral following at 10 a.m. all at the church with Pastor Reed Anderstom, officiating. Burial will follow at Bertrand Bible Church Cemetery, Niles, MI.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to, Edwin L Hodges Ministries, 60-D South Mountain Drive, Decatur, AL 35602-1921. To send condolences to the family log on to: www.McGannHay.com
