Helen Merle

Helen Ruth Merle, age 95, of Traverse City, died very peacefully Friday, November 13, 2009 at her residence with family at her side. Helen was born on May 21, 1914 in Detroit to John "Jack" and Bessie Rosborough Downey. After graduating from high school, Helen worked as a bookkeeper for the Budd Company in Detroit. On August 5, 1939 she married George J. Merle. George died in 1996, and Helen moved up to Traverse City to be close to family. She enjoyed knitting and was an avid reader. Helen was a member of the Auxiliary of St. Anne's Mead and spent many happy hours knitting many things for them. Helen is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Tom McCrary of Jacksonville, FL, and Katherine Mike Cipko of Traverse City; grandchildren, Jennifer Tri Bowman of Jacksonville, FL, Christopher Cipko of Traverse City; and great grandchildren, Mila and Aubrey Bowman. Services were held in Traverse City. Burial will be private at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Memorial donations can be directed to Commission on Aging or Munson Hospice.