Helen L. Stewart, 101, of West Unity, Ohio, passed away on February 22, 2026 at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Center in Archbold. She was born on June 3, 1924, in Elkhart County, Indiana, to Warren E. and Edna M. (Eby) Risser.

Helen graduated from Wakarusa High School in 1942. During World War II, she proudly served her country in the U.S. Army as a WAC Technician 4th Grade. On February 15, 1947, she married Wayne E. Stewart in Baltimore, Maryland. He preceded her in death in August 1987.

Helen was a devoted homemaker and a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Bryan. Throughout her life, she dedicated more than 40 years to volunteer service, including work with Montpelier Baptist Christian Academy, New Hope Christian School in rural Camden, Michigan, and the Bryan Senior Center. She also served as an Avon representative from 1975 to 1981.

She is survived by her two sons: DeWayne Stewart of Fort Wayne; and Alan "Jake" (Karen) Stewart of Pioneer and daughter in-law Herminia Stewart of Bryan. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.

Helen is also survived by a brother: Eldon Risser of Lexington, Kentucky; and a step-sister Mary Helen (Dave) Davidson of Goshen, Indiana.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, son Don Stewart; her stepmother, Mary (Weaver); her grandsons, Jason, Jamie and Jared Stewart, siblings Laurel Risser, Gerald Risser, Imogene Myers, Verna Herr, Wayne Risser and Donna Risser; and step-sister Norma Riesgsecker.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bryan.  Services will immediately follow at 11am at the church with Pastor John MacFarlane to officiate.   Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier, with military graveside rites provided by the Montpelier veterans. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church or the West Unity Senior Center.