Spencer resident and Van Buren County native Helen Beatrice Bickford Simmons Ladd, 73, was born Jan. 23, 1942 and died Aug. 25 at her residence.A retired state employee at Fall Creek Falls Restaurant and a member of New Hope Full Gospel Church, she was the daughter of the late J.L. and Verena Mae Walling Bickford. She was married to first husband, Jewel Alfred Simmons, who preceded her in death in 1978, and to second husband, Alan Eugene Ladd, who preceded her in death in 1997. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Thomas Lee Bickford; and two sisters, Fay Goff and Brenda Britt.