Helen Ruth Fanning, 92, of New Market, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama, surrounded by her family. She was born in the Vanntown Community in Lincoln County, Tennessee, on Aug. 24, 1933, to the late Shelton and Lillie Farmer Bates. She was the third of six children and a beloved member of Oakley Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Fanning; sisters, Jean Hudson, Juanita Fitch and Gwendolyn Miller; brother, Arnold Bates; and grandson, Daniel Clayton McDow.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Donna (Jack) Burnum, Sherry (Donnie) McDow and Sandra (Charles) Edwards; son, John Gregory Fanning; brother, Oren (Linda) Bates; grandchildren, Michael (Melissa) Burnum, Jennifer (Johnny) Farmer, Amanda McDow, Dustin Ward and Tyler Todd; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Chris) Williams, David (Lexie) Parson Jr. and Brianne Parson; step-great-granddaughters, Aubrey Cohan and Kylie Bowen; great-great-grandchildren, Jackson Williams and Everliegh Parson; step-great-great-grandchild, Elena Williams; brother, Oren (Linda) Bates; and a host of numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Helen loved her family and loved going to church. She was loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Pallbearers are Michael Burnum, Dustin Ward, Tyler Todd, Johnny Farmer, David Parson Jr., and Chris Williams.

Graveside services were conducted on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Miller Cemetery with Bro. Jeremy Ogle officiating.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Helen Ruth Fanning.