Helen Lee (Merchant) Bellant

Helen Lee (Merchant) Bellant, 85, passed away at her home on April 27, 2026. Helen was born on June 16, 1940, in Cheboygan, Michigan, to Leo and Zelma (Bashaw) Merchant. She grew up in Cheboygan and attended the local schools.

On February 16, 1957, Helen married the love of her life, James Edward Bellant, in Mackinaw City, Michigan. Together, they built a life grounded in devotion, partnership, and deep love for their family.

Helen enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, sewing, crocheting, but her greatest pride and joy was her family. Helen was a devoted stay-at-home mother to her children and had a special place in her heart for all children, especially babies. Over the years, she selflessly opened her home to foster children, caring for more than seventy-five infants as well as several teenagers. Later, after moving to Midland, she continued sharing that gift by running a daycare from her home.

She is survived by her seven children: Bonnie Fockler of Boyne City, Lacie Cook of Boyne Falls, James Bellant of East Jordan, Johnathon Bellant of Ludington, Jeffrey (Sheila) Bellant of East Jordan, Kelly (April) Bellant of Boyne City, and Melissa (Angela) Doehring of Cartersville, Georgia; twenty-three grandchildren: Christopher, Brianna, Jessaleigh, James, Joni, Jonathon, Alyssa, Heather, Jeffrey, Kelly, Courtney, Clifford, Shaina, Kayla, Marissa, Sarah, Edward, Crystal, Cassandra, Katrina, Sammy, Justin, and Jamie; numerous great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert (Deb) Baxter; and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, James, on August 30, 2019, after 62 years of marriage; her daughter, Pamela; her grandchildren, Stacie, Ronald, and Matthew; her parents, Leo and Zelma; and her siblings, Delores and Joyce Ann.

A funeral for Helen will be officiated by Pastor Ted Polleys on May 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Nordman-Christian Funeral Home in Cheboygan, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, and procession to the graveside service will immediately follow the funeral at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Nordman-Chrisitan Funeral Home of Cheboygan.

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