In loving memory of

Helene J. Giant
September 2, 1918 - March 2, 2018

Helene J. Giant, 99, of Columbia City, passed away at 5:02 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2018 at her home. Born September 2, 1918 in Noble County, she was the daughter of Ward L. and Letha (Hile) Nelson.

She graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1936. On December 24, 1938 Helene married William I. Giant. She worked at Dana Weatherhead in Columbia City for 13 years, retiring in 1981. In 1939, she sold produce from her own property along with noodles and bread at the South Side Market in Fort Wayne. She was a member of Risen Savior Church in Fort Wayne, a Life member of the VFW, was an Eagle Charter Member for 60 years and a Rebecca Lodge member since 1947, all in Columbia City.

Survivors include her brothers, Harley Nelson, of Columbia City and Hurshell "Bud" (Beverly) Nelson, of Churubusco; sister, Hildanna Camp, of Waterloo, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Jean Ann Giant; son, David Giant; brothers, Hugh, Harold, Henry, and Hile Nelson; sisters, Harriet Loe, Hatti Falls, Hazel Bowman, Henrietta Phend and Hulda Nelson.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home with calling starting at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in her memory to Risen Savior Lutheran Church or Parkview Whitley Home Health Care and Hospice. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send her family condolences.

Tributes

CCHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION wrote on Mar 13, 2018:

"May God give you strength in this time of grief and fond memories of Helene J. Nelson Giant, CCHS Alumni Class of 1936. The Alumni of CCHS extends sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to Helene's family. www.cchsaa.org per TLG"

Jenny B. wrote on Mar 6, 2018:

"My memories of South Side market have always included you wonderful mother, full of joy and spunk. Now she is restored in and glory. She was a legend of a lady. She is missed by many"

Pr. Jeanie Barnes wrote on Mar 4, 2018:

"It was an honor and privilege to serve as Helene's pastor for the past 3+ years and to get to know many of her wonderful family members on the farm, at the hospital and through her nephew Jeff's illness and death. Our love and prayers surround all of you as my husband and I move to Florida. What an amazing woman Helene was - 99 years old and still living on her farm, still baking cookies and sweetbreads, and still making noodles from scratch! Up until just a couple years ago she was still gardening and riding her tractor! She loved her God, her church, her family and her farm! We are all blessed for having known and loved Helene. Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord! Pastor Jeanie"

Ron & Patricia Rhinehart wrote on Mar 4, 2018:

"To the family of Helene... We are so sorry to hear of her passing, what a wonderful lady & She was a joy to know Will miss getting & sending mail to her We send our deepest sympathies to the you all & May God Bless you Ron & Patricia Rhinehart ( Ica Ramsey's daughter & Harrietts great niece) Woodburn In"

Randy Grimes wrote on Mar 2, 2018:

"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "