September 8, 1925 – February 18, 2019
Helen Elizabeth (Hand) Pickard, 93, Sheridan, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2019 in Sheridan with her loving family by her side. She was born on September 8, 1925 in Hamilton County to the late Ward and Carrie (Taylor) Hand.
Helen was raised on her family farm located in Sheridan. She graduated from the Sheridan High School class of 1944. After graduating from high school, she attended Indiana Business College and completed her coursework earning an Associates Degree.
Helen met the love of her life, Floyd Pickard, and they were married on November 25, 1945. Helen and Floyd spent 57 meaningful years together. They were at each other’s side until Floyd passed away in 2002.
Helen was a tremendous role model for her family throughout her entire life; however, the greatest traits she bestowed to them were faith, strength and courage. Helen was a strong survivor of breast cancer. She was cancer free for 42 years and relished life. She was a founding member of the Sheridan chapter of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority. Helen enjoyed volunteering at Conner Prairie and Riverview Hospital where she met so many wonderful people. She also volunteered for 13 years serving Meals on Wheels.
Helen worked for many years and retired from American State Bank. Helen wasn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and never shied away from hard work. She assisted Floyd on the farm and in doing so, the two of them instilled this same value of hard work in their children. Helen loved the Lord and passed along her strong faith to her children.
She was a member of the Sheridan United Methodist Church and spent much of her time serving her church family and beyond. She especially enjoyed serving in the church kitchen cooking and preparing food for others. Helen was an active member in the Lydia Women’s Circle. When Helen wasn’t volunteering her time, she would tend her garden. All of her children remember how beautiful she kept her garden.
Helen loved to play cards, bowl and dance. She was a member of the Sheridan Square and Round Dancing Club. She was passionate for traveling and experiencing new cultures. Helen and Floyd traveled often visiting Europe and many places throughout the United States. One fond memory her children have is their parents returning home from one trip and Helen doing laundry so they could leave again the next day. Helen loved her family and instilled so many valuable life lessons.
Helen’s greatest joy was her loving family. Helen is survived by her children, Janice Leigh (Ed) Heffelmire. Cicero; Dennis (Pam) Pickard, Sheridan; and Annette Lynn (Rick) Callahn, Lake Kiowa, Texas. She was a grandmother to many, Carrie Jean (Arlie) Cox, Eric Matthew Heffelmire, Kendra Elizabeth (Evan) Albersmyer, Shawn David (Lori) Pickard, Nicole Leigh (Brian) Frazier, Abigail Lee (Robert) Garriott, Stephen Ward (Mallary) Callahan and Kathryn Helene Callahan. She was a proud great-grandmother to Taylor Charles (Audrey) Ramsey, Hannah Mae Jackson, Alexandria Dawn Pickard, Mackenzie Lauren Pickard, Kailey Grace Pickard, Katrina (Joe) Griffith, Alayna Leigh Frazier, Kaleb Andrew Frazier, Ellie Rose Albersmyer, Natalie Jean Albersmyer, Carson Ray Garriott, Laykin Lee Garriott and Adalyn Kade Callahan. She was a great-great-grandmother to Finley Ramsey and Nolan Griffith. Preceding Helen in death is her brother, William Robert Hand.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Sheridan United Methodist Church, 207 E. 2nd St., Sheridan. Family and friends are invited to gather from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Carol Fritz will be officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sheridan United Methodist Church. All are invited to share thoughts with the family at fisherfunerals.com.
Fisher Family Funeral Services is honored to serve the Pickard family.
Arrangements
Calling: 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 23
Service: Noon, Feb. 23
Location: Sheridan United Methodist Church
Condolences: fisherfunerals.com