Helen Bohnenstiel Otto, age 84, of Gallatin, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by her immediate family.

Helen was born on May 7, 1941, to Herbert Frederick Bohnenstiel and Katie Caldwell Newson Bohnenstiel. From the very beginning, she carried a spirited joy and quiet strength that would define her life.

She lived a great and beautiful life — one measured not in titles or accolades, but in the hearts she shaped and the love she gave freely. As a devoted mother, she raised four girls Cheryl Otto Louvin, Cathy Otto Bruner, Roseann Otto Alexander and Paige Otto Nelson — each one strengthened by her example of resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Helen’s home was a place of laughter, love and an open door for others. She poured boundless energy into her grandchildren and her one and only great-grandchild, lighting up every room they entered with stories, encouragement, hugs that lingered, and just enough mischief to make life interesting. Her love for them was fierce and joyful — the kind that leaves fingerprints on a soul forever.

She found deep joy among her cherished knitting friends, a circle built on creativity, shared stories, prayer, and steady companionship. For Helen, knitting was never simply about yarn and stitches. It was about connection — about weaving people together in conversation and care.

A woman of abiding faith, Helen lived what she believed. She was guided by compassion, strengthened by love, and anchored in gratitude for the people God placed in her life. Her favorite saying, “Make every day like it’s your last,” was not about urgency, but about presence — about holding family close, savoring the ordinary, and giving her whole heart to the moments that mattered most.

Helen leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and gratitude that will continue through generations.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Katie Bohnenstiel and by her brother-in-law, Bob Cummings.

She is survived by Cheryl and Ken Louvin, Cathy Bruner, Roseann and Bill Alexander, and Paige and Paul "Is Awesome" Nelson.

She is also survived by Dale Bruner, a longtime member of the family who remained special to her through the years.

Helen is lovingly remembered by her sisters and brother-in-law, Vicki Cummings and Donna and Dennis Dickens.

Her grandchildren: Kimberly Louvin ("Tailz"), Jonathan Bruner (Kate) Kelly Wentzel (Grant), Michael Bruner (Megan), Shelby Alexander (Cam High, spouse to be), Lou Alexander (Loren), Abbigail Nelson (T.W. Rose, spouse to be), and Aiden Nelson (Madeline Ziolkowski, spouse to be).

Her great-grandchild: The one and only MJ Bruner.

She is also survived by her devoted knitting friends, beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were like family.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held on Monday February 23, 2026. Visitation will be 10:00 am to noon, followed by funeral services at 12:00 noon in the chapel at First Baptist Church Hendersonville, 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd, Hendersonville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in Helen's name, may be made to Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37203 or online at Donate | Alive Hospice | Donations for Hospice Care.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, nurse practitioner, and doctors at Alive Hospice, along with the nurses at Highpoint Health in Gallatin, Tennessee, especially One-L-Michele, for their care and compassion.