Helen June Bortel, age 91, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017. Helen was born on June 13, 1925, to Earl and Louise Ayers. Helen attended Ludington High School and graduated in 1943. After high school she completed her RN degree from Mercy College of Nursing in Muskegon and practiced her profession for over 50 years. She married Ralph Lee Bortell in 1947 and they enjoyed 59 years of marriage together until his passing in 2007.

Helen was a member of St. James Lutheran Church. She enjoyed cooking for her family, dancing, playing bridge, golfing, as well as Tuesday and Saturday outings with her breakfast club. Many have said that Helen's true beauty was the kindness found in her heart. Helen was a caring, loving woman who will be deeply missed.

Helen is survived by: her children, James Bortel, Richard (Ronald Garlock) Bortel, Jeffery Bortell and Lori (Michael) Rederstorf; grandchildren, Tavis, Vicki, Ty, Makenzie, Jason, Christopher and Katelyn; and her sister-in-law, Evelyn Ayers. She was preceded in death by her husband Lee; her parents; brothers, Earl and Robert Ayers; and sisters, Louise Rechtin and Alice Hull.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 11am at St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St, Montague, with Pastor John Brooks officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM until time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions can be directed to St. James Lutheran Church.