CONNERSVILLE - Helen M. Austin, 83, passed away Sunday April 16, 2017 at her home in Connersville, Indiana. A daughter of the late Charles L. Mitchell and Margaret N. Robinson, Helen was born in Laurel County, Kentucky on July 7, 1933. Formerly of Cambridge City, Helen has made her home in Connersville since 1980. A homemaker, Helen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, collecting antiques, dolls and birds. Her canine companions, Gracie, Zoey, Precious and Princess held a special place in her heart.

Survivors include 3 children, Alvona Y. Miller of Brunswick, GA, Ricky L. and Carroll M. "Joe" Drake both of Connersville; 2 step children, Deborah Strahl of Greenfield and Deanna Austin of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Barbie Wooldridge, Angela Durham, Marla Fugate, Shane Miller, Jason, Randy, Jeff and James Mohler, Jessica Kenekham, Jeannetta Dunnom, Juscinda Houze, Joshua Miller, Chris, Jackie and Shawn Drake; several great and great- great grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Pete Austin whom she married in Campbell, Tennessee on April 2, 1983; daughter, Marjorie Merkamp, great granddaughter, Aaliyah Kenekham; step son, Danny Jo Drake; siblings, Virgie Beatty, Linda Walker, Ona Robinson and Gladys Tomkins.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm. on Friday April 21, 2017 at Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, Dublin. Burial will follow at the South Lawn Cemetery in Dublin. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 -8 p.m. on Thursday April 20th . Memorial Contributions can be made to the ASPCA- PO Box 96929 / Washington, DC 20090-6929 or your local humane society.