Helen Louise Gothard, 81, of Ashland passed away peacefully on August 30, 2017 in Atlanta, GA with family by her side.

Helen was born in Ashland on April 24, 1936 to the late Raymond Clay and Hazel Marie King Stewart.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Vernon Dennis “Denny” Gothard; infant son, Charles William Gothard; two brothers, Raymond “Sonny” Stewart and William “Bill” Stewart.

Helen was a member of Ashland’s Beech Street Christian Church where she was once a Sunday School and VBS teacher. She volunteered at Charles Russell Elementary and at Kings Daughters Hospital. She was a member of the Old Orchard Homemakers Club where she enjoyed quilting, needlepoint and other activities with her dear friends.

Helen’s most treasured times were spent watching her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, cheerleading competitions and dance recitals. She loved family get togethers sharing great food and lots of laughs with those she loved most. Helen knew no strangers and loved everyone. She would always make you feel special with her sweet smile, kind words and her family stories.

Helen is survived by two sons, Mike Gothard and wife Denna Gray Gothard of Roswell, GA and Kevin Gothard and wife Diann Denton Gothard of Houston, TX; one daughter, Leann Stewart Swarts and

husband Tim Swarts of Flatwoods, KY. Helen has seven grandchildren; Megan Gothard Wakefield and husband Tyler Wakefield, Michael Taylor Gothard and wife Brooke Martin Gothard, Madison Gothard Cehajic and husband Dr. Boris Cehajic, Michael David Gothard, Randi Swarts, Natalie Swarts and Stephanie Swarts; two great-grandchildren, Landry Gray Wakefield and Blakeleigh Rae Gothard; three beloved sisters, Nancy G rove, Glenna Lester and husband Bob Lester, Patty Brown and husband Bill Brown.

Funeral services will be at 12 pm, Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Carman Funeral Home in Flatwoods. Burial will be in Bellefonte Memorial Gardens.

Friends may call after 11 am, Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Halcyon Hospice Care Center at 5411 Northland Dr., Atlanta, GA 30342, or a hospice facility of your choice.

Condolences may be left at carmenfuneral.com