Emilia “Helen” VanValkenburg, age 93, of Battle Creek, died Friday June 17th 2016, at her home. Helen was born October 26, 1922 in Rock Island, IL, to Emil and Grace (Little) Sachau. Helen resided in Ohio and Wisconsin before coming to Battle Creek in 1932; she was a 1942 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Helen had been employed by the Oliver Electric, Community Hospital and the Battle Creek Federal Center for 14 years, retiring in 1983. Helen married George N. Hentges in 1949, the marriage ended in divorce. Helen was a proud single parent and was an active parent, involved in Cub Scouts, and the local PTA, serving on many boards. Helen married Leo VanValkenburg in 1969 Helen volunteered for many causes and community organizations, including Church Women United, ACCORD, Crop Walk, Access Vision, AARP, Agape Haus, Widowed Person Support Group and was a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church for 48 years. Helen was an avid reader and enjoyed politics, community service and all animals. Helen is survived by her sons, George “Nick” ( Alice) Hentges and Gary Lee (Lorinda) Hentges , both of Battle Creek, granddaughters, Nicole Eaton, Savannah Hentges, Hanna Hentges, Heather Hentges and Samantha Hentges, grandsons, Michael Hentges and Christopher Hentges, step grandchildren, Stephan Sloan and Karen Sloan, great grandchildren, Preston, McKenzie,Nevaeh,Brady Lee, Aubrey, Daydin and Rygan. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Leo VanValkenburg in 1988 and a daughter, Susan Syles in 1998. A special thank you to Gayle and Don, whose care and dedication to Helen will never be forgotten. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, 223 N. Bedford Rd. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the charity of ones choice. Please visit Helen’s webpage at www.bachmanhebble.com.