Helen Ann Batko (nee Pfenninger), surrounded by her family, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on July 12, 2026. Helen was born in Bedford, Ohio on September 21, 1937, to Albert and Vila (Halkovich) Pfenninger. She attended Bedford High School, where she was a Head Majorette and graduated in 1955. Helen worked as a soda jerk at Marshall’s Drug Store where she met the love of her life, Stephen Batko. They eloped to Indiana on April 13, 1956; yes, it was a Friday the 13th but not unlucky, as this year they celebrated their 70th Anniversary!

Helen had varied interests; she was a talented award-winning needlework artist and loved crocheting, needlepoint, and quilting. She enjoyed volunteering as a member of the Bedford Historical Society and crocheted many beautiful afghans that were raffled off for charity events there. She was an avid Cleveland Indians fan and even kept her own statistics during each game. Helen was a devout Christian and loved reading and studying the Bible.

Survivors include her husband, Stephen Batko; children, Sandra Batko, Brett (Angela) Batko, and Steve (Sara) Batko; grandchildren, Nicholas, Kyle, Jesse, and Ashley; great grandchildren, Gabriella, Gavin, Hayley, Jaxson, Naomi, and one on the way.

Friends may join the family for visitation on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 8592 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, Ohio 44087. Her funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery, 8592 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, Ohio 44087. Online condolences may be shared at crownhillfh.com