Obituary of Helen Mary Juckette

Helen Mary Matyas was born on October 7, 1941, in New Baltimore, Ohio.  She was one of three daughters born from the union of Frank Matyas and Bessie (Ondrovic) Matyas.  She attended Dundee Community Schools.

On April 14, 1982, in Traverse City, Michigan, Helen married Rollo Allen Juckette.  For many years she was employed as a School Bus Driver for Dundee.  Later in life she returned to school, earning her diploma so that she could obtain the Transportation Director position for Dundee Schools.  She also operated a food/lunch wagon and sold hot dogs at many auctions that Rollo hosted for more than 10 years.

Helen enjoyed staying active and was a take charge kind of gal.  She remained organized and seemed to have all the answers.  Helen served in leadership in many aspects of her life from organizing numerous casino bus trips, to being instrumental in creating the 50th and 75^th anniversary floats for the Monroe County Fair, to rejuvenating the athletic boosters club in Dundee, helping to generate revenue by serving concessions at the University of Michigan football games, to planning events at the Henderson Creek Club in Naples, Florida where Helen and Rollo had spent part of many winters, since purchasing a place 35 years ago.

Helen was very particular and detail oriented.  She was quite proud to have helped design and decorate her home, and took great pride in the house, yard, and flowers.  With a heart of gold, she was a caregiver to those around her.  Because of her substantial volunteer work at the fair, Helen received a meritorious award, and was featured in a Monroe News article.  She and Rollo enjoyed polka dancing in Metamora, Ohio at the Czech Dancers Polka Club. 

Helen Mary Juckette, age 82 of Dundee passed away at 1:10pm on Saturday; March 23, 2024, at her home.  She was surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Hospice of Lenawee.

Her passing was preceded by her parents and two sisters: Kay "Cookie" Kopka and Shirley.  To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband of nearly 42 years: Rollo Allen Juckette of Dundee; a daughter: Kristin (Richard) Chmiel of Onsted; 2 grandsons: Jeremy Chmiel of Toledo and Brendan Chmiel of Grand Rapids, Michigan; 6 nephews; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday; March 26, 2024 at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156.  A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday; March 27, 2024 also at Merkle’s with Pastor Roy Southerland officiating.  Procession will follow to Maple Grove Cemetery for burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her honor are suggested to Dundee Volunteer Fire Department, Czech Dancers Polka Club, or Hospice of Lenawee.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.