Traverse City - Helen M. Kalis, 90, of Traverse City passed away May 17, 2015 at Culver Meadows.

Helen was born on May 15, 1925 in Saginaw to the late Edward Burrows and Helen Hallenbeck (Spencer) Morley.

On August 20, 1954 Helen married Richard Raymond Kalis in Lansing. Helen and Ric lived in the Lansing area for most of their lives but always enjoyed their summer cottage on Lake Skegemog which they visited since the 1960's.

Helen earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. As part of the war movement, Helen knit wool socks and hats for the American Red Cross. In addition to raising their four children with love and laughter, she worked as a tax consultant. In her spare time, Helen enjoyed playing bridge, dancing, reading, playing piano, knitting blankets and hats for the neonatal ward and creating keepsakes for her family. She also loved attending and watching U of M football.

Helen is survived by her son Jeff (Gabriella) Kalis, daughter Barb (Karl) Klimek, son James (Mandy) Kalis, daughter Patty (Pete) Edmond; grandchildren Joshua (Olivia) Kalis, Jaclyn (Eric) Fox, Dan Till, and great grandchildren Jaelyn, Lila, Campbell; sisters Natalie Murphy and Florence Hutchings.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Richard, siblings Charlotte Taylor, Ted, George, John, and Rob Morley.

The family will celebrate Helen's life privately.

Memorial contributions in memory of Helen may be directed to Hospice of Michigan.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to sign Helen's online guestbook and to share your thoughts and memories with the family.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.