Helene Shoaf, 79, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2025 at her residence in Battle Ground, Indiana.

Helene was born June 25, 1945 in Landshut, Germany to the late Benjamin and Eugenia (Wahl) Gruenke. She was married to Charles William Shoaf on August 3, 1968 in Lafayette. He preceded her in death on April 17, 2002. Professionally, Helene worked at Purdue University for over 24 years as a Certified Seed Analyst in Purity at the Office of Indiana State Chemist. She retired in 2005. She was a long-time member of St. James Lutheran Church. In addition, she was an avid animal lover and “took in” many strays over the years. Helene enjoyed spending time with her family and doing Simon and Schuster Mega crossword puzzles every day. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by four children, Benjamin (Rhonda) Richardson of Lexington, KY, Juliana (Raymond) Gray of Lafayette, Kurt Richardson of Lafayette, and Travis (Peggy) Richardson of Frankfort; sister, Edith Grady of Florida; ten grandchildren, Kurt E. Richardson, Branden (Kim) Richardson, Amber (Brandon) Richardson Womble, Westley (Allyssa) Richardson, Jessica (Luke) McVay, Brooke (Zac) Williamson, Charlene (Kevin) Orozco, Kyle (Liz) Gray, Miranda (Lucas) Cord and Jacob Richardson; and eighteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren; and her beloved dog Bruno and cat Buddy.

In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by a sister, Mary Gruenke, grandson, Kyle Richardson, and daughter in law, Nancy Richardson.

Visitation will take place Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by 11:00 am funeral services at St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Rev. John J. Bombaro, Ph.D. will officiate. Burial will take place at Davis Cemetery in Green Hill. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society for Greater Lafayette (www.humanesociety4greaterlafayette.org). share memories and condolences at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com