Helen G. "Jerri" McElfresh, age 85 of Elwood passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 following an extended illness. She was born July 13, 1929 in Sheridan, the daughter of Gerald and Georgia (Burden) Barnes. She married the love of her life - Donald E. McElfresh on April 25, 1946, and they shared 69 years of marriage together. Jerri retired in 1992 from Carters Supermarket where she managed the deli at the Elwood and Tipton locations for more than 20 years. She also formerly managed the kitchen at the Elwood Country Club for over 20 years. She was a dedicated member of Zion Chapel Church in Elwood where she was formerly the church secretary for many years. She especially enjoyed working in her yard and tending to her flowers; and she liked to work crossword puzzles. More than anything, Jerri will be remembered as being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Jerri's family includes her husband, Donald E. McElfresh of rural Elwood; 4 children, Larry (wife Elena) McElfresh of Martinsville, Danny (wife Marla) McElfresh of Tipton, Marsha (husband Andy) Kavcsac of Dayton, Ohio, and Don (wife Tammy) McElfresh of Tipton; brother, Terry Barnes of Scottsburg; sister Georgianna (husband Larry) Boss of Austin; 11 grandchildren; numerous
great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers, Jack Barnes, Bill Barnes, and Drew Barnes.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on her birthday - Monday, July 13, 2015 at the Elwood City Cemetery with Rev. Jack Bess of Zion Chapel Church officiating. There will be a private visitation for the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association through the funeral home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.