Jackie Helmer

Filled with an insatiable zest for life that was contagious to everyone near, Jacqueline Helmer truly made the most of every moment she was given, never taking a single blessing for granted. She was an unwavering source of encouragement, and she faced every challenge that came her way with great patience and determination. Jackie was always happiest when she was surrounded by her friends and family. Her generosity knew no limits, exemplified by the way she constantly went above and beyond to serve others. Dearly loved, Jackie’s memory will be forever held close by all those she loved so much.

The late 1930s were not the kindest years for those living in the United States. The Great Depression still cast a heavy shadow over the country. Heads were also turned to look overseas, as tensions surrounding WWII were continuing to escalate. During such a difficult chapter in history, resilient Americans still found joy in their everyday lives. Nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the household of William and Bonnie Booth as they announced the arrival of their first child, a beautiful daughter. Born on September 18 of 1938, Jacqueline Joyce was welcomed by her overjoyed family in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Growing up, Jackie was a typical girl of her generation and enjoyed a wonderful childhood in her hometown of Kalamazoo. Her father, William, supported the family by working mainly in the tool and die industry while her mother, Bonnie, was a dedicated housewife and homemaker. On occasion, Jackie would get to travel to the Upper Peninsula with family. She was the oldest of four children in the family, but she first tasted grief at a young age with the loss of her younger brother. She discovered her lifelong love for sewing at an early age. Jackie attended local schools and was a student at Otsego High School, graduating in 1956.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Jackie as she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart, Miles Helmer. The two met on a blind date in October of 1956, and a whirlwind romance ensued. Jackie and Miles quickly fell head over heels in love. The couple celebrated their engagement in December of that year. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Jackie and Miles were married on June 15, 1957. Throughout their 52 wonderful years of marriage, they filled their time with dancing, bowling, and stock car racing. Jackie and Miles were also members of the Sundowner’s Club, a 4-wheel drive club, for nearly 25 years. They soaked up the quiet moments of life as a couple, content to simply be together.

Of all the things that Jackie loved in life, there was nothing more precious to her than her family. She and Miles were so happy to become parents to their beloved children, Valerie, Doug, Chris, and Greg. Jackie was an amazing mother, and she was very active in the lives of her kids. She devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mom while the children were young. Wherever there was a need, there was Jackie, ready to jump in and help. The Helmer family enjoyed taking camping trips to Bass Lake and the U.P., as well as vacations to North Carolina and Alaska. Birthdays were celebrated as a family, of course with Jackie’s Texas sheet cake and sloppy joes.

Once her children were in school, Jackie found work at the school as a parapro until they were in high school. She never missed a game or special event. Jackie loved using her creativity and talents to make heartfelt gifts for her loved ones. When each of the kids graduated, they received one of her handmade quilts, and she even made wedding dresses for her daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. Later in life, Jackie was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandkids and doted on them whenever she could. Jackie was always one to encourage her grandchildren to spend time outside, and she found the most special ways to brighten the lives of her loved ones, like warming up clothes in the dryer for her great grandkids. In all things, Jackie’s family was truly the focus of her life.

When she wasn’t pouring into her family, Jackie could often be found at her church home, Oak Grove Bible Church. She also loved being outside, caring for her flowers and strawberries in her garden and enjoying the sunshine. Some of Jackie’s favorite memories took place at the cabin in Big Rapids, riding through the woods in the Bronco and watching for deer. She liked playing board games, and she was proud of her cursive handwriting.

As loved ones gather to reflect on the life and legacy of Jacqueline Helmer, we remember every time her shining smile and larger-than-life presence lit up a room. Her faith was steadfast, and her kindness and compassion was unconditional. As a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wife to Miles until his passing in 2009, Jackie cherished every moment spent with her family and friends. It is clear to all who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives that she truly made their world a better, brighter place. Although life will not be the same without Jackie here, she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold close.

Jacqueline Helmer, Age 87, died on March 29, 2026. Jackie was born on September 18, 1938, in Kalamazoo to William and Bonnie Booth. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Miles; and brother, Arnold Booth. Surviving are her children: Valerie (Tom) Cleveland, Doug (Judy) Helmer, Chris (Penney) Helmer, Greg (Stacey Cool) Helmer; grandchildren: Bonnie (Corey) Tittler, Nola (Jesse) Blaine, Christopher Helmer, Ross (Alayna) Helmer, Dustin (Josie) Helmer; brothers: Mike (Connie) Booth, Bruce (Margaret) Booth; step-grandchildren: Anthony Cleveland, James (Melissa) Cleveland; great-grandchildren: Westlee, Shyanne, Wyatt, Daytona, Roy Thomas, Clarice, Wells; special cousin, Janet Hogue; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join the family for a funeral service on Saturday, April 18, at 11AM at Oak Grove Bible Church (7655 Ravine Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49009), with visiting starting at 10 AM. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial at Alamo Center Cemetery. Celebrate Jackie’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Grove Bible Church. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900.