Helen Elizabeth Long

Helen E. Long, 95, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2019, at Hanson Hospice Center. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at 1PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, November 30, 2019, from 12PM until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hanson Hospice Center. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Helen was born on October 14, 1924, in Benton Harbor, to Albert & Amalie “Mollie” (Steinke) Miller. She attended and graduated from St. Matthews Lutheran School. Helen worked for Williams Brothers Box Factory and Ferguson Cemetery Memorials prior to marriage. In 1945, Helen married Samuel Mensinger, a veteran of World War II, who passed away in February of 1950. Surviving that union is a daughter, Suzanne (Charlie) Veverka. In 1954, Helen was united in marriage to William Long, who passed away in December of 2010. One daughter, Betty (Mike) Vondran was born to that union. Helen loved to cook big meals for her family and over the years entertained church friends and relatives. She was a proud member of Calvary Bible Church where she enjoyed her Christian friendships. Helen is survived by her children, Suzanne (Charlie) Veverka of White Cloud, MI and Betty (Mike) Vondran of Wauwatosa, WI; grandchildren, TJ (Liz) Meister, Steve Watson, Rob (Julie) Watson and Jen Watson; great-grandchildren, Chasity (Daniel) Lowther, Alex Davis and Shane Davis; and great-great grandchildren, Elijah and Levi. Helen was preceded in death by her husbands, Samuel Mensinger and William Long; parents, Albert & Mollie Miller; and siblings, Frieda Miller, Henry Miller and Gertrude Miller. Helen’s family would like to express their profound thanks to the entire staff at Hanson Hospice whose kind and compassionate care for Helen extended to all of us as well.