Helena Mae Gommel

Heaven’s gates opened up for Helena Mae Gommel on September 16, 2020. She was born on May 8, 1926 in Decatur County to Samuel and Dannie Johnson Riddle. Helena received her early education from Scipio, Jackson, and Hope. Though delayed from completing her diploma, due to caring for her family, she graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1946. Music was always a special part of her life. Helena was a pianist for Hartsville, Hope, and Elizabethtown churches, the gospel group The Hallelujah Belles, as well as the Columbus Senior Center group for over 15 years. She also enjoyed playing the xylophone and the accordion. Helena had many hobbies throughout her life. One of her greatest pleasures was crafting with her hands. For years, on Veteran’s Day, shewould handmake items to honor church members and friends who were Veterans. Helena always entered a pie in the County Fair’s pie baking contest, even winning a Grand Champion award for her “Creamy Peach Pie.” She took great delight in any kind of needlework, crocheting, embroidering, and making quilts for many of her family members. Taking her hobby to the next level, Helena even became a seamstress at J.C. Penny Co. for a time. Helena was proud of her consistent community activities and many achievements. She was an active member of the Womens’ Christian Temperance Union throughout the organization’s existence. She was especially proud of the group’s work with youth through presenting temperance programs in different churches.Helena spoke to her family often of her work in the business office of the Bartholomew County Hospital for 12 years,making special mention of the time was awarded Employee of the Month. She also enjoyed her employment at Larry Nunn’s Accounting Services before retiring to take care of her late husband, Earl. On June 30, 1946, Helena and Earl were united in marriage at the Hartsville Methodist Church. They had two sons, Daniel Earl and Olin Eugene. Together, Helena and Earl constantly travelled, were involved in various church activities, and loved spending time with grandchildren: taking them on trips and attending ball games. Helena turned to her Methodist faith when deciding to move to Franklin Methodist Home in 2016, where she resided until her passing Wednesday afternoon. Helena Gommel was preceded in death by her husband Earl, her son Olin, and many family members.She is survived by her son Daniel Gommel and his wife Marjorie of Orlando. She noted her Survivors to include her five grandchildren, many greatgrandchildren, great-great grandchildren, a special friend Connie Devers of Columbus, and a special nephew Ed Gommel. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Calling will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the East Columbus United Methodist Church, Bartholomew County Humane Society, Wounded Warriors, or to the Shriners Hospital for Children. Face Masks are respectfully required at all times.

Helena Mae Gommel

May 8, 1926 - September 16, 2020