Helen Elizabeth Skinner

Helen E. Skinner passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2014 surrounded by her family and loved ones at Riverview Manor in Three Rivers, Michigan. Helen was 96 years old and a longtime resident of Schoolcraft, MI. Born Helen Elizabeth Angel on October 21, 1918 in Wellston, a small town in southern Ohio, she was Arthur and Jessie Angel's 6th of 9 children. She spent her early years in Ohio where the family home was located near a local landmark known as the stand-pipe which was situated on a hill above the local cemetery. Her early years were spent at nearby parks and a swimming hole, where her older brothers taught her to swim. She often cared for her younger sibling, Jack, and they remained close through the years. In high school Helen was know as a sharp dresser and excelled at her studies. After high school she went to work for the US Government personnel office at Wright/Patterson airfield. She was quickly transferred to Kellogg field in Battle Creek and resided in Marshall, MI with other young women serving the war effort. There she met her future husband, Harley Skinner, and they were married on October 7th, 1944. After the war, Helen and Harley moved to Comstock, MI where Helen became a housewife bearing one child, Linda, while Harley worked as an auto mechanic. In 1951, The Skinners relocated to Schoolcraft, MI. In 1953, Helen took a job with Schoolcraft Schools as an administrative assistant to the Superintendent. She would remain there for over 25 years until her retirement in the mid 70's. Helen was a long time member of the Ladies Library where she held the Treasurer's position and was a contributor to the PTA. She was a civic-minded person and helped organize the Schoolcraft Bicentennial Celebration. Other memberships included the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft and the Schoolcraft Historical Society. Helen loved to read, listen to music, dance and play golf. She was an excellent cook and appreciated a good meal. Helen and Harley loved to entertain their friends and family by hosting Holiday events and several social gatherings in their home every year. Sunday evening supper was a longstanding family tradition. Harley and Helen celebrated a 60th Anniversary ahead of Harley's death in 2006. Helen is survived by her daughter Linda Bosma and Mike McNally, and stepdaughter Sharon (Mel) Tyler. Also surviving are grand children Zachary (Shellie) Bosma, Melissa Bosma, Gary (Janet) Tyler, David (Kelly) Tyler, Doug Tyler, Michelle Tyler, several great grand children and sister in law Mary Angel. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, all 8 of her siblings, and a son in law, Curtis Bosma. Charitable donations can be made in the name of Helen Skinner to the First Presbyterian Church, The Schoolcraft Ladies Library, or the Schoolcraft Historical Society. Friends and family will be received on Thursday, December 18th at 12:30 PM for a visitation at the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft, MI with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM. A time of fellowship at Westminster Hall will follow the service where all guests are welcome.