Helen Joyce (Thut) Detwiler

Helen Joyce (Thut) Detwiler, 95, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, at Walnut Ridge Assisted Living in Kentwood, MI.

Helen was born on January 23, 1930, to Ira and Dorothy (Yoder) Thut in West Liberty, OH. After graduating high school, Helen attended Goshen College where she met her husband, Delbert Detwiler. The couple married on July 26, 1953, and had two daughters, Karen (Loren) Nofsinger and Debra Detwiler.

Helen cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and spent many years teaching elementary and Sunday school. She sang in the church choir and passed her love of music onto her two daughters, both of whom became music teachers. She loved to host and cook for friends and family, and her countless cross-stitch pieces adorn the walls of many of their homes.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen of Grand Haven, MI; sister, Jocele (Art) Meyer of Fresno, OH; brother, John (Nancy) Thut of Estes Park, CO; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Delbert, daughter Debra, and sister Barbara (LaMar) Holaway.

A memorial service will be held at College Mennonite Church,1900 S. Main St., Goshen, on Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Goshen College Music Center. https://www.goshen.edu/