Helen M. (Gaff) Rinehart

Helen M. Rinehart, 90, of Elkhart, died at the home of her granddaughter on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 7, 1931 in Kendallville, IN to the late Perry O. and Louise (Johnson) Gaff.  Also preceding her in death are two grandsons, Scottie and Doug Fisher: a sister, Eleanor Brock and a brother, Perry Gaff Jr.  She was also preceded in death by her longtime companion, Warren B. Smith.

On November 24, 1951, Helen married J. J. Rinehart in Angola, IN.  J.J. died on April 15, 1991. 

Surviving is a daughter, Pam Deitch of Elkhart: two grandchildren, Alyssa (Steven) Powell and Alex (Stephanie) Deitch: two sisters; Katy Wilson and Cheryl (Al) Hohman, both of Indiana and two brothers; Dick (Phyllis) Gaff and John Gaff, both of Indiana.

Helen graduated from Hamilton High School in 1949.  She worked as the head cashier for Hook’s Drugs at the Pierre Moran Mall from 1968 until she retired in 1988.  She then worked at Alick’s Drugs and Home Medical from 1988 until she retired in 2006.  She had been a longtime member of Calvary United Methodist Church and its Resale Shop.  She was a former member of the Elkhart Moose Lodge #599.  In her spare time, Helen enjoyed crocheting and spending time with her family.

Visitation for Helen will be held on Friday, September 3, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at 1:00 p.m., all at the Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.  Helen will be laid to rest next to her husband at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola, IN.

Memorial contributions in memory of Helen may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Midwest Chapter, Central Dupage Hospital Care Center 1800 N. Main St. Suite 215 Wheaton, IL 60187-3112.

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