Ethel M. Heldman, 99, formerly of rural Bluffton, died at Good Samaritan Home in Arlington on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010.

Heldman was born July 4, 1911, in Hancock County, to the late George & Dora (Bame) Smith. She married Raymond C. Heldman on Nov. 26, 1932. Raymond preceded her in death on July 1, 2003. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2002.

She is survived by a son, Ronald E. (Marilyn), of Bluffton; and a daughter, Mary E. (Tom) Schoonover, of Platte Lake, Michigan.

Also surviving are five grandchildren: Linda Bucher, Randall (Sherrie) Heldman, Joetta (Keith) Rader, Doug (Lori) Schoonover, and Annette (David) Lean. There are also seven greatgrandchildren, and two step-great grandchildren.

Other survivors include a sister, Leoma Schaller, and a sister-in-law, Mabel Smith, both of Arlington. Brothers, Wilbur, Lester, Harold, and sisters Lavonne (Bonnie) Heldman, and Luella M. Bormuth are deceased.

Ethel was a 1929 graduate of Arlington High School. Before marriage she worked at the Hancock County Home. She also worked at Triplett Electrical Instrument Company, Bluffton for many years.

She was a member of Good Hope Lutheran Church in Arlington.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16 at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Arlington, with Pastor Steve Ramsey officiating.

Visitation will be held on Thursday morning at the church, one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery.
Memorial tributes may be made in her memory to Good Hope Lutheran Church, Arlington, or Good Samaritan Center, Arlington. Online condolences may be sent via www.chiles-lamanfh.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton.