Greencroft Communities Stories

Helen Elizabeth Miller Birky is one of those residents everyone on campus knows. She always has a warm smile on her face and joy in her heart.

Born in Kouts, Indiana, on March 6, 1932, Helen spent most of her working career in the Bearing Division at McGills, supporting the aircraft industry. She was married to her wonderful husband, Arnold Miller, for 63 years. A lifelong member of Hopewell Mennonite Church in Kouts, Helen’s pride and joy is her family: Cheri Nowlin, Laurel Trimble, Bruce Miller, and Linda Yant. They all live nearby and enjoy visiting Helen at Oak Grove Christian Retirement Village, often joining her on the balcony. Helen also has seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Helen moved into Oak Grove Christian Retirement Village in 2017 and later married Eugene Birky under the gazebo at Oak Grove. Childhood and church friends, Helen and Eugene both lived at Oak Grove and spent three joyful years sharing adventures together.

While Helen loves to read, gardening is her true passion. When she saw the large balcony on the second floor, she knew it needed a little love. She reached out to team members for permission and transformed the space into a beautiful, peaceful garden. 

“I wanted to provide a beautiful place to enjoy the fresh air and flowers. I enjoy sharing the balcony with my fellow friends and residents,” Helen shared. Today, the balcony is a serene sight enjoyed by all on campus.

Family plays a big role in Helen’s gardening journey. Her aunt, Pat Martin, helps with watering and planting, while her son, Bruce, crafts the gorgeous plant boxes. When it comes to gifts, everyone knows exactly what to give Helen for Mother’s Day: Plants! At the time of this interview, Helen was happily planting four flats of flowers, truly in her happy place. She also enjoyed a special Mother’s Day shopping trip at - where else - the garden center, shopping for flowers!

Helen loves living at Oak Grove Christian Retirement Village. She said, “The staff is so wonderful and caring. 
I am still independent; I live a very useful, independent life. I can be as active as I want and feel very free to live my life. I am happy to live in this wonderful, Christian home until my final sunset.”

We’re happy to have you, Helen, and your presence in the Oak Grove community (along with your plants) is such a blessing to all of us!