Martha Rosella Hellis

Martha Rosella Hellis, 97, of  Houghton Lake, passed away on Tuesday July 28, 2026 at The Brook of Roscommon.

Martha was born on January 26, 1929 in Lansing, Michigan to Ralph and Virginia(Wicke) Masters. She grew up in the Lansing area where she graduated from Perry High School.  On January 24, 1948 in Perry, Michigan, Martha was married to Nicholas Hellis, who preceded Martha in death in 2018. Martha worked in Lansing  as a Supervisor in the Records Department at the Michigan Department of Social Services for many years before her retirement.  The couple had been coming to the Houghton Lake area since the 1960's and made Houghton Lake there permanent home in 1978 moving from Lansing.  Martha enjoyed crossword puzzles and was an avid reader.  She also had a soft spot for her dogs and cats over the years..

Surviving Mrs. Hellis are her two daughters, Janet Hellis of Greece, and  Karen (Peter Salisberry) Hellis of Lansing; grandson, Christopher Eric(Liane Shayer) Hellis of San Francisco, CA. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Nick Hellis; and her siblings. 

Graveside Services for Martha Rosella Hellis have been conducted at Roscommon Township Cemetery, Houghton Lake. Memorial contributions in memory of Martha are asked to be directed to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI Michigan, Houghton Lake Library, or the Roscommon County Animal Shelter. Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Rosella Hellis, please visit our floral store.