Mary Helen Gilmore, age 97, of Springfield passed away on August 1, 2023, in The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek Skilled Nursing.  She was born the daughter of Benjamin M. Franklin and Mildred Shouse in Dade County, Missouri on February 18, 1926. She was a member of South Street Christian Church.

She graduated from Greenfield High School in 1943 and married Roy Gilmore on March 6, 1944.  She loved music, sewing, playing bridge and camping with the Good Sam's Camping Club.  She loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Mary Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Roy E. Gilmore, parents, Benjamin and Mildred Franklin; brothers, William Franklin, J.B. Franklin, and Charles Franklin; and sisters, Cora Jennings and Betty Rountree.  Surviving brother, Howard Franklin (Christine) of Kansas City and sister-in-law, Lucille Franklin of Greenfield.

She is survived by daughters; Diane Ulrich (Sam), Springfield and Darlene Coit (Darryl), Joplin; grandchildren, Brett Ulrich (Gail) of Ozark, Angela Paige (Matthew) of Joplin, Dustin Coit (Kate) of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Kyle Ulrich (Heather) of Nixa.  She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Ian, Zach and Bryleigh Ulrich; Colvin, Cooper and Kennedy Paige; and Kaden and Grayson Ulrich.

Private Graveside services will be held at a later date in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery with the Reverend Janet Given officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or South Street Church.