Helen M. Burden, 94, of Stanwood, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025. She was born on December 4, 1930, to Glenn and Mabel (Pruetz) Bell in Stanwood. On August 19, 1949, Helen married the love of her life, Gordon Burden. Together, they shared over 75 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and hard work. The couple embarked on several successful business ventures, including operating Burdens Farm and Home, the family hardware and farm store, and Burdens General Grocery Store in Stanwood. They worked tirelessly on the family farm, cultivating both the land and the bonds of family. Helen was a devoted community leader and servant. She held various leadership roles, serving on the Mecosta County Hospital Board and was the Austin Township Treasurer for 29 years, also on the Mecosta County Park Commission Board for 17 years. She played a pivotal role in establishing the local fire department and was deeply committed to making her community a better place. In 1976, Helen was honored as the Mecosta County Businesswoman of the Year and received a State of Michigan Special Tribute for her outstanding community involvement. A 4-H leader and member of the Commission on the Mecosta County Aging Senior Center Board, Helen devoted herself to improving the lives of both the young and elderly. Despite her busy life, she found joy in keeping a meticulous home, gardening, decorating, antiquing and tackling various projects. She was also a talented cake decorator, creating memorable designs for weddings and countless special occasions. Faith was a cornerstone of Helens life. She was a proud and active member of Northland Global United Methodist Church, which she and Gordon joined in 1965. Her faith, dedication to her community, and deep love for her family were the guiding principles of her life. Helen is survived by her devoted husband, Gordon; her children, Sue (Randy) Blackmer, Janet (Bill) Shea, and Darcy (Marvin) Richardson; grandchildren, Chris (Brina) Blackmer, Brian (Jennifer) Blackmer, Daniel (Erin) Sedine, Amy (Robert) Blake, Jacob Richardson, and Taylor (Aaron) Doutry; step-grandchildren, Brian Shea and Tina Ley; great-grandchildren, Adalyn, Anden, Callen, Kaleb, Danica, Paislee, Osiris, Ozzy, and Bodhi; step-great-grandchildren, Hunter and Cody; her brother, Dutch Bell; and numerous extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter and son-in-law, Marla and James; and her brothers, Dale and Sonny. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at Northland Global United Methodist Church in Stanwood. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 2:004:00 P.M. and 6:008:00 P.M. at Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids, and on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Helen will be laid to rest at Stanwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mecosta County Commission on Aging, Corewell Hospice, or Northland Global United Methodist Church. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com.