Helen Marie (Ackerman) Spence, age 87, passed away on March 22, 2026, in West Branch, MI. She was born on April 19, 1939, to David L. and Ethel M. (McCann) Ackerman in Flint, MI. After attending Central High School, Helen married the love of her life, David H. Spence, on September 29, 1956. They raised their family in Flint until moving to Hale, MI in 1995. Â
Helen enjoyed spending time with her family and being outdoors. She was always ready to work hard and get her hands dirty, but was equally ready for a beautiful manicure, a nice lunch and shopping trip, ending with a hot, sweet latte.
Helen is survived by her children: Denise Murdoch, Mark (Teresa) Spence, Nancy (Jeff) Davis, and Jennifer (Matthew) McDougall; grandchildren: Hannah (Christian Brandt) Murdoch, Kate (Eric) Murdoch-Jones, Joy-Lyn (Steve) McLane, Christopher (Heather) McLane, Dustin (Eric) Howes, Paige (Hayden) Wiegel, Joshua (Alison) Davis, Emily (Fiore) Bertoni, Abigail Davis, Jacob (Ashley) Davis, Lauren (Mohamed Awada) Skidmore; 7 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Helen is preceded in death by her husband David.
A service was held March 28, 2026, at Buresh Funeral Home in Hale. Visitation will begin at 11:00 and end at the time of service at 12:00. Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at a later date at Esmond Evergreen Cemetery.