Helen Ruth Fanning, age 92, of New Market, AL, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 in Huntsville, AL, surrounded by her family. She was born in the Vanntown Community in Lincoln County, TN, on August 24, 1933, to the late Shelton & 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 will be conducted on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Miller Cemetery with Bro. Jeremy Ogle officiating. Visitation with the family will be Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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