Helen (Ma) Budd
May 28, 1922 ~ December 2, 2017
Helen I. (Ma) Budd, 95, Canistota, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Center in Canistota.
Graveside Services will be 11am, Thursday, December 7, 2017, at the Canistota Cemetery. The family requests casual attire for attendees.
The family requests no flowers, gifts, or food.
Helen Irene Mehlbrech was born May 28, 1922, to Gustave D. and Edith Mae (Collins) Mehlbrech. She married Robert W. (Bob) Budd in Sioux Falls, SD, on March 5, 1943, before Bob was deployed to Europe to fight in World War II. After Bob returned from his military assignment, they lived in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where Bob worked tirelessly for the Nickel Plate Railroad. After returning to South Dakota, they farmed in the Canistota area before retiring and moving to town (Canistota) in 1982.
Helen (Ma) worked at several cafes in Canistota, as well as the sewing factory. She would not give up. She waited tables at the cafe into her late 80’s. In fact, when she moved into the Good Samaritan Center, she was still waiting tables, serving the patients water. Several of Helen’s great joys were camping with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as finding bargains at garage sales with her buddy Joyce (who Ma affectionately referred to as Joycie) Sampson. Ma was diagnosed with dementia 5 years ago, which was an unfortunate way to spend her last years. Bob (Pa) and Ma were blessed with 2 children. Ma was an only child and didn’t want her children to grow up alone.
Helen is survived by her two children, Sharon Budd, Brandon, and Robert (Judy) Budd, Sioux Falls; four grandchildren, Jeannie (Jim) Luke, Candy (Terry) Northern, Sue Reiff, and Mike Budd; ten great-grandchildren, Lacey Northern, Whitney Kindt, Mike Kindt, Kaci (Troy) Janzen, Jesse Northern, Tyler Smith, Cody Northern, Kylee Northern, Kyle Narum and Trever Budd; and several great-great grandchildren.
Ma was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; and her parents, Gustave D. and Edith Mae (Collins) Mehlbrech.
Sharon and family,
Deeply sorry to hear of your mothers passing. May you know that prayers are being said in her honor. Peace be granted unto you
It was a pleasure getting to grow up to Helen and Bob as neighbors and working with Helen at both Baxa’s and the Ortman Cafe. I learned many a life lesson from her and her hard work ethic. I did also enjoy her feisty sense of humor as well. Heaven gained another angel.
Sorry to hear of Helens passing. What a friendly hard working lady. Always greeted you with a big smile and loved to laugh. RIP Helen. Richard and Sherry McKay
It has been our honor and privilege in caring for Helen. Thank you for allowing us to care and love on them. We hope you are finding peace and rest during this new transition. Please do not hesitate to call us if you need anything! AseraCare Hospice Team