Helen L. Gross

Helen Louise (Dunn) Gross, age 84, of Indianapolis passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, with her loving daughter holding her hand. She was more than just a great mom and wife. She was smart, witty, beautiful on the inside and out and so incredibly giving to all that knew her. 

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 18, 1940, arriving 15 minutes prior to her twin sister Susan. Apparently, even then she had a competitive nature. Her parents were William R. and Margaret M. Dunn. Helen grew up in the Brightwood neighborhood until her sophomore year of high school. She went to St. Francis DeSales grade school and then on to Scecina Memorial HS for her freshman year. She and her twin sister transferred to St. Mary’s High School their sophomore year and graduated in 1958. While in high school her family moved to the 1700 block of North Bosart and became members of Little Flower Parish.

Her insurance career began in 1958 and spanned over 50 years. She started her career with Golf Insurance Agency, then went to work for JK Robins, a small family-owned insurance agency. Later acquired by Redding Troy and then Walker Hughes. She was there for the ride and her clients still ask for her today. Helen retired in 2014. She enjoyed the people she worked with throughout the years and her clients. They weren’t just co-workers or clients…they were friends. 

In 1963, out with the girls at the Hollyoake, a popular night club on East Washington street she met a charming red head man, Kenneth Gross, who shared her love of dancing. They could light up the dance floor! A year and half later on May 2nd, 1964, they danced up the isle at Little Flower Church and said, “I Do.” In March of 1965 they welcomed their daughter Kimberly and became a family of three. The family initially lived in the Little Flower neighborhood before moving to Irvington in 1979. In May 2024, Helen and Ken celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Helen’s home is filled with books, as she was an avid reader. She loved to work the crossword puzzle in the Indianapolis Star and never shied away from the toughest of Sudoku puzzles. A rule follower at heart, she often took on the role of keeping Kenneth and Kimberly in line. She enjoyed taking several cruises with her friends over the years (Alaska, Hawaii), and countless trips to Florida to visit with her sister and her family… and would jump at the chance to visit Kimberly in Chicago. Simple moments, sitting - chatting and laughing so hard you start crying was what she enjoyed most with the people she loved. Helping her daughter search for the perfect margarita was a close second. 

Helen was preceded in death by her parents William and Margaret Dunn. Helen is survived by her husband Ken, her daughter Kimberly Felten (Michael), her grandchild Alex, and her twin sister Susan Harper (Jess). 

Visitation and a celebration of Helen’s life will be held Monday, January 6th at Flanner Buchanan-Memorial Park (9350 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN, 46229) from 2:00PM – 7:00PM with a prayer service beginning at 4:00PM.

Please share your memories of Helen in the online guest book, whether or not you can attend. Your stories would mean so much to her family.