Helen M. (Baker) Kaumeyer of Wayland, died Wednesday, Dec. 23. She was 98.

Helen was born Oct. 20, 1917, to Helena and Wendell Tichvon on a farm in Barry County, growing up on a farm when it was typical of all members of a large family to carry their share of surviving in difficult times during the Great Depression, learning that love and family was more important than material goods and wealth.

Though denied a great deal of formal education, she was intelligent and a wonderful teacher by example. She and Melvin Baker were married in 1938 in Flint,  where Helen gave birth to Jerry and Don. Melvin and Helen together built a house in Flint.

The family then moved to a farm near Helen’s birth place in Middleville,  where the Yankee Springs Golf Course club house is located. Melvin and Helen then built a house and moved to Wayland in 1948. This house was to be Helen’s home for most of the rest of her life.

Third son Doug was born in 1955. Melvin tragically passed in 1957. Although the ensuing years were difficult ones, Helen held the family together and eventually all three sons graduated from Michigan State University and went on to successful careers. Helen married Henry in 1968. They lived in Wayland and were both active members of the Wayland VFW post.

Helen was active in local affairs, serving on the election board and was a devout Catholic, a member of St. Therese parish in Wayland. All her life Helen was extremely involved with her family and friends, especially when they gathered at her beloved cottage on Cobb Lake. At her 95th birthday party, she was awarded a proclamation from the mayor and Wayland City Council, honoring her contributions to the Wayland community.

Helen spent her last years in Byron Manor in Byron Center and Heartland HCC in Grand Rapids.

She is survived by her sons Jerry ( Judy) Baker of Burlington, WI; Don (Cathy) Baker of Brighton, MI: Doug ( Sue) Baker of Boise, ID; sister in law Barb Tichvon of Cobb Lake , seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous nephews, and nieces.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Andrew, Joseph, Charles, Wendell Jr., Frank; her sister Ann Kudej; first husband Melvin H. Baker and second husband Henry Kaumeyer.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church Wayland at a later date to be announced. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Wayland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Wayland VFW Post. Please use www.kubiakcook.com to leave memories of Helen for the family.