Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
M. Elaine Helvey, 90, passed away peacefully at Paddock Springs Health Campus in Warsaw on Thursday morning, Feb. 5, 2026.
Born in Morocco, Ind., on May 22, 1935, she was one of two girls born to Earl and Marjorie Porter Long. She graduated from Warsaw High School with the class of 1953.
She married Jack Albert Helvey on Feb. 14, 1953, in Warsaw, and they would settle on Winona Lake after his military discharge and raise three girls. He would proceed her in death on March 2, 2015.
A dedicated, organized and hard-working woman, Elaine started off working as the secretary for Brooks Dalton at Dalton’s Foundry in Warsaw. This led him to starting Big Boy Products where she would also follow and work as his secretary. Elaine lastly worked for 25 years for Zimmer. She began as a secretary but then began medical education all over the country. This was a fond memory for her kids as they were able to travel to these fun places with her.
In her younger years, she was a member of Tri Kappa and enjoyed helping with the Red Stocking Review. She was also member of the First United Methodist Church in Warsaw. After retirement and now permanent residence in Fort Meyer’s Beach, Fla., with Jack, she joined the Dancing Grannies in their Bayside Estates subdivision.
Elaine was well read and loved completing hard crossword puzzles. She was artistic, enjoying drawing and painting the windows in their home for the holidays.
She is survived by her daughters, Debra Miller, of Silver Lake; and Penny Helvey, of Warsaw; and grandchildren, Neil Harris and Amy Harris.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband; her daughter, Diane Jones, in 2025; her sister, Barbara Long, in 2008; and her parents.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 in the funeral chapel.
Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Welfare League, 1048 S. 325 E., Pierceton, IN 46562.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.
