Helen L. Dobson

Mrs. Helen Lottie Dobson of Vassar, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Monday, March 31st, 2025, at the age of 100. She was born in Detroit on June 19th, 1924, to Josephine and Ignatz Rusecki and was one of eight children. Helen married Elwyn Dobson on November 25th, 1941, and together they raised two sons and four daughters. She spent most of her life in Vassar, with a few years in Saginaw, Flint, and Detroit. Alongside her husband, she co-owned and operated Dobson Mobile Homes, Texaco Caro, and DD & MH LLC (Dad’s Dreams & Mom’s Headaches), a real estate company.

She was the matriarch of the family, hosting all of the holiday get-togethers. She loved crafts, camping, reading, birdwatching, gardening, and, most of all, spending time with her family and friends—many of whom she considered family. She especially enjoyed cuddling and playing with all of the babies.

Left to cherish her memory are her four remaining children: Diane Hartl, Joan Bond, Cathy (Ben) Partridge, and Karyn (Kurt) Libbrecht; daughter-in-law Janet Vernier; grandchildren: Melissa Smith, Susan (Chris) Gwisdala, Robyn (Christopher) Anderson, Meredith (Gary) Ebert, Randall (Tammi) Bond, Jessica (Paul) Fultz, Caitlyn (Joseph) Hutchinson, Heather (Jacob) Mansfield, Brooke Partridge, Emily (Lee) Krantz, Rebecca (Brandon) Pine; 24 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and 13 step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, Elwyn; two sons, Ron and Jackie; two sons-in-law, Ron Hartl and Jon Bond; three grandchildren, Tim, Jennifer, and Robert; and great-grandson Jonathan.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the hospice nurses and employees from "Americans Home Healthcare Inc." who helped take such great care of Helen over the last three years!

Helen's family will receive visitors at Hanlin Funeral Home in Vassar from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025. Funeral services will follow at Vassar First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025; visitation at church will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last until the time of service. Immediately following, Helen will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery next to her husband, Elwyn.

For those wishing to make a donation in Helen’s memory, contributions may be sent to:

The Rainbow Connection 621 W University Dr, Rochester, MI 48307

Donations can also be made online at: www.rainbowconnection.org/donate

Kindly share a memory with Helen's family in the guestbook below. 

Helen and her family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home in Vassar. 1148 W. Saginaw Rd, 48768. (989) 823-8621.

Hanlin Funeral Homes ~ Serving Since 1928

Millington & Vassar