Dorothy Ellen (Barth) Hellner, of Chelsea, MI, age 90, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2021 at her home, around the corner from her childhood home in Lima Township. She was born on January 30, 1931 in Chelsea, the daughter of Fredrick and Anna (Mullen) Barth. On August 9, 1958 she married Leo D. Hellner, and he preceded her in death on March 13, 2000.
Dorothy lived in the Chelsea area and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church her whole life. She attended school at the small Lima Township schoolhouse right down the road and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1949. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and gardening. Quick to laugh and compassionate, she was always willing to help her family. She made great cookies and believed wholeheartedly about doing the right thing. She gave her family roots and adored her grandchildren.
Dorothy is survived by four children: Greg (Bonnie) Hellner of Michigan Center, John (Sarah) Hellner of Chelsea, Michelle (Scott) McClure of Idaho, and Mary (Skip DeWall) Hellner of Chelsea; grandchildren Tyler McClure of Missouri, Kalli McClure of Kansas, Hannah Lash of Ann Arbor, and Sophie Lash of Chelsea; step-grandchildren Nathan and Noah Moyer, both of Ypsilanti.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters Virginia (Charles) Williams and Ruth (Hugo) Luenser, and her brothers Carl, Harold, and Robert Barth.
Dorothy will be laid to rest on Friday, September 10, 2021 with a Funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea.
The family will receive friends at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation or the St. Louis School or St. Mary Catholic Church.
