(Member Of Bryan’s First Baptist Church)
Helen L. Stewart, 101, of West Unity, Ohio, passed away on Feb. 22, 2026, at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Center in Archbold. She was born June 3, 1924, in Elkhart County, Indiana, to Warren E. and Edna M. (Eby) Risser.
Helen graduated from Wakarusa High School in 1942. During World War II, she proudly served her country in the U.S. Army as a WAC Technician 4th Grade. On Feb. 15, 1947, she married Wayne E. Stewart in Baltimore, Maryland. He preceded her in death in August 1987.
Helen was a devoted homemaker and a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Bryan. Throughout her life, she dedicated more than 40 years to volunteer service, including work with Montpelier Baptist Christian Academy, New Hope Christian School in rural Camden, Michigan, and the Bryan Senior Center. She also served as an Avon representative from 1975 to 1981.
She is survived by her two sons: DeWayne Stewart of Fort Wayne and Alan “Jake” (Karen) Stewart of Pioneer; and daughter-in-law Herminia Stewart of Bryan. She was blessed with nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Helen is also survived by a brother, Eldon Risser of Lexington, Kentucky, and a stepsister, Mary Helen (Dave) Davidson of Goshen, Indiana.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; son, Don Stewart; her stepmother, Mary (Weaver); her grandsons, Jason, Jamie and Jared Stewart; siblings, Laurel Risser, Gerald Risser, Imogene Myers, Verna Herr, Wayne Risser and Donna Risser; and stepsister, Norma Riegsecker.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bryan. Services will immediately follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor John MacFarland officiating. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier, with military graveside rites provided by the Montpelier veterans.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church or the West Unity Senior Center. Condolences can be left at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com.