Helen M. Sims

Helen Mae Sims, 94, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on April 15, 2026. Helen was born in Cloverdale, Indiana, on January 20, 1932, to Earl and Averil (Smith) Allen. She graduated from Belle Union School and married the love of her life, James J. Sims, in 1951.

Helen worked as an accountant and owned Sims Tax Service for more than 40 years, retiring in 1998. She passed away on Tax Day, April 15, 2026 which was very fitting. In 2000, Helen and Jim moved to Winter Haven, Florida, and she returned to Indianapolis in 2006 following Jim’s passing. Helen also served as President of Autumn Glen Senior Living for eight years and was widely known for her kindness, quick wit, and warm presence. She and Jim also played the stock market and they were very good at it. Of course if you asked a question she went way over our heads with details. She loved reading, puzzles, playing cards, and enjoying candy. Helen and her daughter, Sandy, loved their weekly Thursday lunches for 15 years until she broke her back in September 2021. She never recovered fully from that incident. Helen prepared a plan for her daughter to follow which included moving to Greenbrier Assisted Living. She loved it there and they loved her as well. She will be severely missed. Helen’s faith was important to her, and she is now at peace with Jesus.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, James J. Sims; and her son, Steven Sims. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy VanRooy; her granddaughters, Barbi Haggard, Angel Harber, Erin Abel, and Dani Mitchell; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who adored her. She will be missed dearly by her family and many friends.

Friends may call on April 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan, 10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on April 27, 2026. Helen will be laid to rest beside her beloved Jim in the mausoleum at Floral Park Cemetery, 425 N. Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heart Foundation.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book and share messages of condolence with the family.