Mary Lou (Drake) Hellstrom

Mary Lou (Drake) Hellstrom of Cadillac, MI, formerly of Battle Creek, MI

Mary Lou, age 81, died Wednesday morning, February 14, 2018 at her daughter's residence in Cadillac, MI.

Mary Lou, the daughter of Leon and Grace (Pyke) Drake, was born in Battle Creek on November 23, 1936 and was a 1954 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. She retired in 2002 after 25 years of faithful service to God and man as a Major in The Salvation Army. Mary Lou was a voracious reader; enjoyed playing any and all games; working puzzle books and FaceTime with her children and grandchildren.

Mary Lou was united in marriage to Leif A. Hellstrom in Battle Creek on December 30, 1960 and he sadly preceded her in death on May 18, 1994. Surviving are two daughters, Britt-Marie (Jack) Curtis of Springfield, MI and Valerie A. (Mark) Nance of Cadillac; two sons, Alan S. (Kim) Hellstrom of Cedar Rapids, IA and Randy L. (Kathy) Hellstrom of Omaha, NE; nine precious grandchildren; two step grandchildren and a great grandson. Mary Lou was also preceded in death by her parents; three sisters and six brothers.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Mary Lou's life will be held on Saturday, February 17th at 2:00 p.m. at The Salvation Army, 400 Capital Avenue, NE, Battle Creek, with Colonel Tom Lewis, officiating. Mary Lou's family will greet friends on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until service time at The Salvation Army. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary Lou's honor may be directed to The Salvation Army of Cadillac, 725 Wright Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek is assisting Mary Lou's family.