Helen Louise Shehan Cress, age 92, died on Wednesday August 24, 2016 at the Laurels of Salisbury. Born October 15, 1923 in Rowan County and was a daughter of the late Daisy Brown Shehan and Robert Ford Shehan.

Educated in Rowan County Schools and a member of Grace Lutheran Church. She worked for Carolina Maid and Cannon Mills before retiring.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 64 years, Ernest Gibson Cress; son, Ernest Gary Cress of Salisbury; son, Thomas Wayne Cress of Las Vegas, NC; brothers, Harold, Robert, and James Shehan; and a sister, Madleen “Pat” Royal.

She is survived by a son, Rodney Gene Cress and wife Millie of Salisbury; sister, Virginia Mace and husband Don of Salisbury; grandchildren, Brian Cress, Julie Sloop and husband Benjamin of China Grove, and Lori Burke of Salisbury; and great-granddaughters, Chloe, Rylie, and Olivia.

Helen will be known as a giving person, putting her family first and was always the best cook and gardner. She worked tirelessly for her family and left so many wonderful memories.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday August 27, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church (3020 Grace Church Rd., Salisbury, NC 28147).

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday August 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, conducted by Rev. Jerome M. Cloninger. The burial will take place in the church cemetery following the service.

Powles Staton Funeral Home, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care is serving the Cress family. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.