Helen L. Grise

Helen L. Grise, 87, of Goshen, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday morning, September 18, 2007, following complications of long term diabetes. She was born on January 8, 1920, in Ashley, Indiana, to Oscar Patterson and Ella Mae (LaMunyon) Howard. Mrs. Grise worked for many years in a number of local retail and restaurant establishments in the great Goshen area, including 14 years at the former Kline’s Department Store in Goshen. A member of Christian Fellowship, her home was known as one of warmth, welcome and acceptance.  She enjoyed playing card games with family and friends and doting on her family. Mrs. Grise is survived by her husband, Joe Grise of Elkhart; two daughters, Dolores Bell of Elkhart and Joelen (Sidney) Heflin of Goshen; two sons, Herbert (Bonnie) DeFreese of Springfield, Illinois, and Patterson (Dianne) DeFreese of Purvis, Mississippi; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. The last of 11 children, she was preceded in death by six sisters, Dora Howard, Nellie Rohrer, Clara Sheline, Georgia Grover, Hazel Meeks and Ernestine Albert; and four brothers, Charles, Harold, Donald and Russell Howard. Friends will be received 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 20, and one hour prior to the service on Friday, at the funeral home. A 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 21, 2007, funeral will be conducted at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Pastor Craig Garber of the Christian Fellowship, Goshen, will officiate. Burial will be in West Goshen Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Goshen General Hospital Care at Home and Hospice Services or to Christian Fellowship of Goshen.