Madelyn Helvie

Madelyn Helvie, 64, of Peru, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ early Wednesday, morning, May 5, 2016. She passed away at Dukes Hospital, in Peru with her husband, John at her side.

Madelyn was born on September 6, 1951 in New Martinsville, West Virginia becoming one of nine children. She was the daughter of the late Richard S. and Ellen Jane (Shriver) Haught.

She joined the USAF in 1970 and met her husband and life partner, John Helvie at Maxwell AFB, in Alabama. They were married in Logansport on September 26, 1970. Madelyn followed John to the Azore Islands in Portugal where their first daughter, Sherri was born. She separated from the USAF after becoming pregnant and she went with John to other assignments including; Oklahoma, New Mexico, and finally to Alaska.

In Alaska, Madelyn and John became the proud parents of three more children; Cheryl, Faith, and John, Jr. Cheryl and Faith have children of their own, and reside in the Peru area. John, Jr. is married and currently resides in Australia, near Sydney in New South Wales. Their eldest daughter, Sherri, lives in Santa Cruz, California. John, Sr. separated from the USAF in Alaska where they spent a total of 20 years, between the USAF and civilian time. Madelyn canned a considerable amount of both salmon and moose meat while is Alaska. They returned to Indiana in 1995.

Madelyn worked in retail sales in Fairbanks and in medical supplies. She was a patient and loving mother while being a constant supporter of her husband and family. Her interests after returning from Alaska largely centered on being with her family, helping with her grandchildren, and gardening. Madelyn’s 12 grandchildren provided some of the happiest moments in her life. Her heart has always belonged with the Lord, and she enjoyed singing His praises in church. The lives of her family are empty without her gentle touch and motherly love. We are looking forward to being together again in a far better place.

Madelyn was also preceded in death by her two siblings.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 9, 2016 at the First Church of Christ, 2584 S. Business 31, in Peru, with Pastor Shane Capps officiating. Visitation will be held also at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at Davis Cemetery in Burnettsville, following the service.

Memorial contributions in honor of Madelyn may be made to the First Church of Christ. Envelopes will be provided also at the church.

Please sign the guestbook, and leave an online condolence for the Helvie family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Marocco-Rans Funeral Chapel.