Helen Delores Meister

Helen Delores Meister

January 7, 1925 - May 14, 2026

Helen Delores Meister, better known as Grandma Helen to everyone who knew her, died on May 14 at the young age of 101 years, four months and seven days.

Grandma Helen went kicking and screaming, figuratively, from this life that she cherished so much. From the chance to drink her daily can of beer, to bowling with her grandkids or sunbathing in her undergarments on the patio, it was Grandma’s intent to always enjoy her time on Earth, no matter what. 

Grandma was born on January 7, 1925, in Troy, Ohio, to James and Lillian Wright. She was the youngest of seven children. Kenneth, Paul, Thelma, Venetta, Dorothy and Betty all left this life long before Helen, and she was missing them, especially in her final days. None achieved the centenarian status Helen added to her list of accolades in January 2025.

Helen lost her mom when she was just 3, but grew up fishing, swimming, playing baseball, and taking car rides with her dad and siblings. She also enjoyed helping her dad make homemade beer. 

Helen graduated from the J.P. Kosta Beauty School in Dayton in 1946. She was a hair stylist for almost 70 years, still cutting and styling hair into her 90s. Helen was an instructor at the Marion Beauty School before opening her own salon, The Classic Beauty in Upper Sandusky. She later opened her second shop, Meister’s Beauty Salon, in Marion. She ended her storied career at JC Penney’s salon in the Southland Mall. 

Grandma was married to Lou Meister for 35 years until his death in 1983, and they enjoyed many years of fishing, boating, and vacationing in Florida.

Grandma’s language was, ermmm, colorful. She never missed an opportunity to call someone a dumbass (with love), or tell a dirty joke.

Even through all the sass, to know Grandma Helen was to truly love her. She was the perfect mix of gratitude with a heaping tablespoon of ornery. She was grateful for the small things - a piece of pizza, a dip in the lake, a boat ride with the sun in her face. She always made you feel like whatever was happening in the moment was the best experience or the most delicious meal. No matter the circumstances, Grandma exuded joy mixed with a little fire. And, oh the laughter.

One of Grandma’s favorite things to do was enjoy a beer with others. She claimed water “rusted her pipes.” If you have shared a beer with her at any point, consider yourself in the club. 

Grandma shared life lessons with those around her, and never missed a pre-Thanksgiving gathering to teach her family how to perfect homemade pecan pies. She did more observing than creating during her last lesson in November 2025, but insisted on doing all of the dishes after. That was Grandma.

Grandma is survived by her daughter-in-law, Linda Meister; her grandsons and their wives, Eric (Roberta) and Ryan (Kate); great grandchildren, Aidan, Christian and Charlotte; and many other family members and friends.  Grandma lived more than 30 years on Earth without her only son, Bob Meister, who died on November 25, 1993. Helen was also preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband, Lou, and numerous friends and relatives. 

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., May 27, with a memorial service immediately following, at Boyd Funeral Home, 122 W. Columbia St., Marion, Ohio.   

In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass to Helen, filled with your favorite beverage. If it’s an Old Milwaukee Light or a Budweiser, well, that’s even better. Tell a dirty joke and remember to be grateful for both the great and small in this life. These are the things that would have made Grandma happy.

We would like to thank the Riverview Health Care Campus staff, who truly made Grandma’s stay there feel like home. Grandma made an impact on everyone she met. Fly high, Helen. We will miss you more than words can express.

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