Helena G. (Parsons) Coates

Helena G. (Parsons) Coates, 72, of Freeland died Sunday, January 18, 2009 at the University of Michigan Hospital.

The daughter of the late Earl and Edith (Buckey) Parsons was born December 24, 1936 in Midland where she was raised and educated; graduating from Midland High School in 1955. As a young girl, Helena had worked for Woolworth's. On September 10, 1955 she married Larry J. Coates in Freeland. Helena and her husband bowled in the Dow Mixed Doubles for many years. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, traveling, camping and walking.

Mrs. Coates is survived by her husband of 53 years, Larry; son, Steven (JoAnn) Coates of Saginaw; daughter, Lisa (Robin) Crook of Midland; -6- grandchildren, Charity (Chris) LaDuke, Joshua Grai, Jeffrey Coates, Rick Coates, Emily Crook, Claire Crook; -4- great grandchildren, Kayleigh, Vaughn, Damian and Gabriel; brothers, Melvin Parsons, Milford "John" Parsons, Keith Parsons, Raymond Parsons, Mervin Parsons; sisters, Neoma Richards, Genevieve Marton, Barbara Parsons.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Ricky; brothers, Gilbert, Norman, Edward, and Bernard Parsons; and sister, Phyllis.

Funeral services for Mrs. Coates will be conducted at 11:00 am, Thursday, January 22, 2009 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with the Reverend Rob Schmidt, Pastor of the Freeland Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating.
Interment will follow in Poseyville Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm and on Thursday from 10:00 am until the service at 11:00 am.
Memorials may be offered to Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Midland.