Helen Elizabeth Musselman

Helen Elizabeth (Costomiris) Musselman, 99, of Noblesville, departed this life on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. Helen was born to Sam and Hazel (Venable) Costomiris on April 21, 1915 in Noblesville, Indiana. She lived in Connecticut, later Detroit, graduating from Northern High School. She attended Detroit City College (Wayne State University)
Helen met Wayne Musselman on a blind date, later marrying on September 3, 1937. They were blessed with six children, Joyce (Harry) Wiggins, Gary (Pam) Musselman, Jean (Ron) Fleming, Pat Overdorf, David Musselman, and Diana Musselman; the proud grandma of 24 grandchildren, Denise McHenry, Linda Wainscott, Louise Hennessey, Rebecca Sharp, Pamela Pritsch, Andrew Simmons, Vickie Wright, Christy Wiggins, Rob Musselman, Dawn Coverdale, Amy Hittle, Mike Musselman, Scott Fleming, Jill Fulk, Brian Dickover, Chris Dickover, Eric Beeman, Jessica Marvel, Ashley Schultz, Cody Musselman, Kristina Flowers, Lindsay Lindenmayer, Adam Helm, and Jennifer Helm; 44 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Helen made Raggedy Ann & Andy Dolls or crocheted blankets for them all. Helen is also survived by many, many nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 77 years, Wayne Musselman on June 15, 2014; two grandsons-in-laws, Vic Wainscott and Chad Hittle; one great-grandson, infant Riley Simmons; brother, Edward "Bud" Costomiris; and one sister, Georgianna Cochran.
Coming from the city and marrying a farmer, Helen learned quickly to be a farm wife. She joined Hamilton County Extension Homemakers in 1937, serving as president in 1947 & 1980, receiving the first lifetime achievement award. She was also past president of Hamilton County Extension Board, East Wayne Extension Club, Senior Citizens organization, Modern Homemakers, Wayne Township firefighters Auxiliary, Durbin Elementary PTO and organized the Hot Lunch program in Wayne Township, 75 year member of Eastern Star, County Chairman for 8 years of the National Polio Foundation, Organized Mother's March of Dimes, member of Hamilton County TB Association, Red Cross, Alternate to HC Lung Association, Hamilton Southeastern Long Range Planning Board, and Superintendent Advisory Council. Helen was a delegate to National Extension conference held in Vermont and again in Oregon. Hamilton County 4-H Council, 6 years on the Purdue CARET Board, 4-H Leader, and was a member of Clarksville Christian Church, taught adult and children's Bible School. She also volunteered at Harbour Manor, Noblesville Healthcare, Zionsville Christian Home State Committee Host-A-Hoosier. The Musselman Farm is a Hoosier Homestead having been in the family for over 100 years.
Helen received the highest state award, Sagamore of the Wabash, from the governor of Indiana for her endless commitment to serving her county and state. Helen, along with her husband, were fortunate to visit Greece and meet her father's family. Her father had immigrated to his beloved America after learning English, having money, a job, and being sponsored at the age of 18. Helen lived above his candy store and helped to raise her brother and sister upon the death of her mother at a young age.
Services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 1150 Logan Street, in Noblesville. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the funeral home, with an Eastern Star service beginning at 8:00 pm. Burial will be at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville.