Donna Faye Helms

Donna Faye Helms, BarabooDonna Faye Helms, 71, of Baraboo, died peacefully on October 5, 2012, with her children at her side.She was the fourth of eight children born to Perry and Marcella Ramsey on July 13, 1941 in Baraboo.She worked numerous jobs over the course of her life including Badger Ordinance, Eagle Signal, Country Kitchen, The Log Cabin and Ho-Chunk Casino.Life was not always easy for Donna. Sometimes money was tight so she would sacrifice to make ends meet. 30 years ago she was instrumental in helping her sister, Pat, deal with end-of-life issues related to ALS. Later that same year, Donna would lose her husband of 21 years in a car crash. But Donna persevered. She worked two jobs to provide for her children and prepare for her retirement. Her relentless effort was an inspiration to those around her. But as busy as she was, she always made time for her family and friends. She was a friend and a mentor to many.Donna's home was plagued by several floods over the last 15 years. Each time she overcame the devastation and loss to rebuild her home and beautiful flower gardens. Her faith and friendship sustained her through those difficult times. Donna's family and friends repaid her kindness by helping Donna when she was in need.Donna had many interests throughout her life. When her children were small, she tended to a very large garden and canned vegetables to sustain them through the long Wisconsin winters. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, making several items for her family and friends. She also enjoyed a variety of crafts including woodworking and painting. Each holiday Donna always seemed to have a special craft project planned for her children and later her grandchildren.Family was the most important thing in her life. Donna would decorate her house to celebrate each and every birthday and holiday. Summertime was prime time for cookouts, potlucks and garage sales with the family. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. When the grandchildren would come "trick or treating" at her home, Donna would always greet them by wearing her own Halloween costume.Donna enjoyed cheering for the Packers and the Badger football teams and always dressed up for the games whether she was watching on TV or watching the game in person. She loved to watch the hummingbirds and butterflies flutter outside her windows.She was united in married to Duane Helms on May 13, 1961. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children: Dori Helms of Baraboo, Dana (Bob) Burns of Sun Prairie and Darin (Miriam) Helms of Baraboo.She is survived by her children and three grandchildren, Beth Helms of Springfield, MO, Alyssa Helms of Baraboo and Hallie Helms of Baraboo. She is further survived by a brother, Eugene "Zeke" (Charlotte) Ramsey of Baraboo; sisters, Connie (John) Fisher of Milton, Sharon Rego of Baraboo, Sandy Rudolph of Baraboo, Bonnie (Jim) Gallus of Merrimac and Brenda (Dave) Emery of North Freedom; and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Marcella Ramsey of Baraboo, her husband Duane Helms of Baraboo, and a sister Patricia (Bernie) Monroe of Baraboo.Donna was a member of the New Life Community Advent Christian Church.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at the Redlin Funeral Home in Baraboo with Pastor Jesse Stevens officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom. Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 10 a.m. until the time of services, at the funeral home.