Helen "Fay" Russell-Porath

RUSSELL-PORATH, Helen "Fay" - Age 81, of Bear Lake formerly of Swartz Creek, passed away at home holding the hands of her family, Friday, October 25, 2019.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Swartz Creek.  Fr. Louis Ekka celebrant.  Burial in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Swartz Creek.  Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, Monday from 1-4 and 6-9 PM where a rosary will be prayed at 7 PM and at church Tuesday from 10 AM until the time of service.  Those desiring may make contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Fay was born July 16, 1938 in Fleming, KY, the daughter of Earl and Callie (Dishman) Johnson.  She attended Neon-Fleming Schools.  She married Edward Russell, who preceded her in death in 1979. She then married Curtis A. Porath June 3, 1984 in Swartz Creek.  She had resided in Bear Lake since June, coming from Swartz Creek where she had lived for fifty years. Fay had been employed as the purchasing director for Bill Thomas Halo Burger for 40 years. She was the Club House Hostess at Sports Creek Raceway for many years.  Fay was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  She also was a member of GFWC Swartz Creek Women's Club and the Swartz Creek Fine Arts Association.

Surviving are: her husband, Curtis; daughters, Julie Ann (Allen) Smith of Kalamazoo and Ann (Brad) Lindsay of Swartz Creek; grandchildren, Cal, Audrey, and Travis; sister, Tina (Jim) Martino of Washington Township; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Stoney Johnson; sisters, Hallie Tong, Jeanie Sturgill, and Jolene Kelley.  "YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE, MY ONLY SUNSHINE".  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.