Helen H. (Hills) Bellows

Helen Hills Bellows, age 96, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Clark on Keller Lake in Grand Rapids, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband Dick, her sister Elizabeth Barfuss, and by her brother Thomas Hills, as well as her son-in-law, Bob Lareau.

Born at Butterworth Hospital on February 9, 1929, Helen lived most of her life in Grand Rapids. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School (1947) and Grand Rapids Junior College (1949) and attended Davenport College where she met her future husband, Dick.

Helen worked at home raising her two children, volunteering at the school library, and leading Camp Fire Girl chapters for both daughters. She worked part-time as a secretary/receptionist at a physicians’ office.

She was a longtime member of Mayflower Congregational Church joining in 1958 where she was a founding member of the Priscilla Circle and met many lifelong friends. She served as a deacon, taught Sunday School, coordinated communion preparations, and visited members confined to their homes.

For 40 years, Helen was a member of the Junior Golden Rule and Butterworth Hospital Guild.

She was very active at the Women’s City Club and Chapter CU of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), where she served since 1982 as a member, was delegate to one national convention, and served as president (1994-1996).

Helen is survived by her daughters, Lucie Lareau and Connie Bellows (Darlene Zwart); three grandchildren, Aaron Lareau (Linda), Jennie Lareau (Nate Ford) and Nathan Lareau (Danielle Wyckoff); five great-grandchildren, Natalie, Daniel, and Hannah Lareau, Ezra Ford, and Josephine Wyckoff-Lareau; and “the third one” Beth Kromer (and daughter Rose); and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, 2:00 PM at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. The family will greet friends from 1-2 PM prior to the service at the church. Refreshments will be available in the Atrium following the service.

We are thankful for the care Visiting Angels provided while Helen was living at Clark Retirement Community on Franklin Street. Heartfelt gratitude for the competent and caring staff at Clark on Keller Lake where Helen resided for ten months. Emmanual Hospice https://emmanuelhospice.networkforgood.com provided comfort and additional support from December 1st until her final resting place. We are grateful for the care provided on her journey.

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