Helen Marie (Rey) Echtinaw

Mrs. Helen Marie Echtinaw (Rey), age 84 of Grant, Michigan passed away into the arms of the Lord on March 20, 2024 at Fremont Fountain View Retirement Home. 

She was born to Richard and Gladys (Long) Rey on March 26, 1939 in Beulah, Michigan.  She later married the “Love of her life”, Donald Echtinaw, on November 2nd, and they lived a long, happy life together. 

Upon completion of High School at Muskegon Heights, and after getting married, Helen decided to be a homemaker and lovingly raised her family. 

Helen loved to camp with family, and in her younger years enjoyed bingo, dancing, listening to bluegrass music, and reading books.  Helen’s smile lit up a room, and many family and friends were blessed by her smile, as she leaves behind friends at Fremont Fountain View Retirement Home and Community PACE, that are too numerous to mention. 

Helen is survived by her son Rick (Carol) Echtinaw of Grant, MI., her daughter Wendy Echtinaw of Fremont, MI., and her daughter Donna Sanders of Grant, MI., and one sister, Ruthie Somero of Copemish, MI.  Her surviving grandchildren are Jay (Missy) Echtinaw of Fremont, MI., Kristi (Joe) Cook of Bitely, MI., Zach Ingersoll of Fremont, MI., Amanda (Bryan) Davis of Fruitport, MI., Brandon Sanders of Grant, MI., Shandel Farmer of Sibley, Illinois, Brandi (Tyler) Cross of Grant, MI, and Hailey Higgins of Grand Rapids, MI.  She is survived by great grandchildren Keairra, Addalyn, Kayleigh Jo, Brandon, Elijah, Elliott, Brooklyn, Austin, Averie, and Haven.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents Richard and Gladys Rey, two brothers Franklin Rey and Edward Rey, and one grandson Chad Echtinaw. 

Per Helen’s wishes, cremation will take place and a memorial service will not be held.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.  Helen will be sadly missed, but NEVER forgotten, and those wishing to remember her can consider donating to the Grant Area District Library, Grant, MI.  

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