Helen was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Carlisle, where she was active with the Busy Gleaners Sunday School class and the church Bible study. She was formerly employed with Newville Shoe Co., Knouse Foods, The Farmers Market Restaurant and the former Bellaire Restaurant in Carlisle. Helen enjoyed being with her family, gardening, crocheting and quilting.

She is survived by one son, Ray E. (and his wife, Juanita) Mell of Newville, one daughter, Polly A. (and her husband, George) Thompson of Carlisle, one sister, Frances K. Warner of Newville, 10 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 10 step great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by one son, Ronald E. Mell, Sr.,four brothers; Herman, Irvin, Kenneth and Harold Piper and four sisters; Pearl Jackson, Mary Goodhart, Janet Lehman and Bernita Moose.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 23, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle with Rev. Rick Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Westminster Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. Viewing will be on Thursday from 6 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 420 Park Dr., Carlisle, PA 17015.