Amy Denise Helsel, 54, entered into eternal life in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 20, 2014. Although Amy’s years on earth were short, her impact on those she met was great. Amy’s spirit will be carried on by her husband, Babe, her 4 children, Measha, Russell, Kevin, and Spike. Those who knew Amy, knew how blessed they were to have her in their lives.

Amy was born on August 1, 1960 to Russell Ingleright and Sally Scanlon. When she was 16, she met Edwin Helsel, whom she married and spent the next 38 years with.

Amy loved her family immensely. She was so proud to talk about the accomplishments her children made and loved to tell stories about her grandkids. She loved to grow flowers and create beautiful flower gardens. In 2011, she earned her Associates degree and her family was proud to see her walk across the stage and achieve her goal. She also had a small sawmill, where she milled all of the wood to build her own house. Family gatherings were a special time in Amy’s home. She loved to cook and bake and made the world’s best apple pie. Amy’s doors were always open to everyone, and that included foreign exchange students that she hosted from around the world.

Amy believed in living life to the fullest. She enjoyed taking trips; whether it be to Mackinaw City or Gulf Shores, Alabama. Most recently she decided that she wanted to take a trip on The Badger and visit the Wisconsin Dells. She loved to take walks and enjoy nature. She loved feeding the ducks on Lake Cadillac (even though it was prohibited) and feed all of the birds that came to her many feeders.

Amy had several special friends that she met through her work for the City of Cadillac, where she worked for several years. She loved her job and her coworkers.

Amy was preceded in death by her father, Russell D. Ingleright and her mother, Sally M Scanlon and an infant sister, Andrea.

She is survived by her husband Edwin “Babe”, her daughter Measha and husband Scott, her son Russ and wife Nicki, son Kevin and wife Selina, son Spike and wife Sara and step-son, John Medendorp, also grandchildren, David, Danielle, Jacob, Ryan, Jack, Payton, Claire, Theo, Seth, Jade, and unborn granddaughter Mila Denise as well as sisters, Helen Kitchen and Susan Longcore and a brother, Skip (Laurie) Ingleright, along with special friends, Ricky Helsel and Isaac Dieterman and several nieces and nephews, and dogs Lolly and Leroy.

Amy took comfort in her faith in God and regularly attended services at Jennings Community Church, where she enjoyed fellowship and volunteering.

A celebration of Amy’s life will be held at Jennings Community Church on Tuesday, December 23rd at 1 pm with Pastor Carl Rewa officiating with a luncheon following.

It was very important to Amy to bring awareness to Ovarian Cancer. Take time to educate yourself on the symptoms.