Helen "Grandma Helen" Onstead

Helen “Grandma Helen” Onstead, 85, of Bay passed from this life Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. She was born September 23, 1935 in Bay to the late James and Notra Freeman. Helen lived most of her life in Bay, but lived in Chicago from 1955 until 1969 when they moved back to Bay. She was a member of the Bay Church of Christ. Helen loved taking care of children. She and her sister in law owned Raggedy Ann in Bay from 1987 until 1997. Helen continued caring for children at her in home daycare. She enjoyed cooking and was known for her mac and cheese and homemade rolls.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Onstead; brother, Bill Freeman and sister, Sybil Vestal.

Survivors include her 2 sons, Randy (Sondra) Onstead, Todd Onstead; daughter, Sandy (Donnie) Davis all of Bay; 4 grandchildren: Brooke (Jeremy) Thomas, Rustin (Kassi) Onstead, Joeli Onstead, Graci Onstead; 3 great grandchildren, Gavin Thomas, Lynnli Jo Thomas, Ronan Onstead; several other children she treated as her own from her daycare and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 10:00 am in Pine Hill Cemetery with Bro. Marvin Rickett officiating.

For lasting memorials the family asks that consideration be given to the Children’s Homes, 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450 or the Bay Church of Christ, 213 Central Ave, Bay, AR 72411.