Helen Louise Gross

Helen Louise (Morgan) Gross, 98, died January 15, 2026 at The Springs in Lafayette.  She was born on November 15, 1927, in Independence to the late Jesse Eugene and Nellie Zoe (King) Morgan.  She was the third of four children.  Her two brothers, Everett and Francis, and her sister, Etta Mae Johnson, all preceded her in death.

On February 16, 1946, she married John “Jerry” Gross.  He preceded her in death on September 8, 2014.

Helen worked at L.S. Ayres, starting out working 4 hours per day to accommodate her son’s school day.  She eventually became a department manager and worked many more than 4 hours per day!  She was a retired member of Psi Iota Xi. She was also the last surviving member of the Class of 1946 from Williamsport High School. After retiring Helen and Jerry delivered Meals on Wheels for over 20 years.

She loved doing jigsaw puzzles with her daughter and has a closet full of them.  She loved and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and her granddaughter Audrey Short shared a birthday and recently celebrated her 98^th birthday and Audrey’s 18^th birthday. She loved her Budgie’s vanilla ice cream cone.

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Banes (David), son, John Gross (Charlene) both of Lafayette and son-in-law, Mike Short of Tulsa, OK.  A daughter, Nancy Short, preceded her in death in 2016.  Also surviving are her grandchildren Jeff Banes (Sandra) of Twinsburg, Ohio, Matthew Short (Monica) of Lebanon, Emily Babb (Kencade) of Winnetka, IL, Douglas Gross (Hillary) of Lafayette and Scott Banes (Carman) of Lafayette.  As well as great grandchildren, Audrey, Lillian, Eliana, and Evan Short, Cicely, Finnegan and Virginia Babb, Devin and Zoey Gross, Colin Banes and Taylor Michael (Dustin).  Great great grandchildren, Gabriel, Nellie and August.

In lieu of flowers those wishing may contribute in Helen’s name to Food Finders.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909

Cathy and John would like to thank the staff at The Springs and Franciscan Hospice for making Mother comfortable and caring for her.

You may leave memories and condolences at www.soller-baker.com