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Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home

1221 Stewball Circle

Kingsport, Tennessee

Ruth Helmer Obituary

KINGSPORT - Ruth Helmer, age 94 of Kingsport, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, who saw beauty and wonder in everything around her.

Ruth grew up in Peoria, Illinois where she married and raised two children. She was active in the Presbyterian Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and deacon. After retirement, she moved to Michigan then to Tennessee to be close to her grandchildren.

Ruth was an avid swimmer and bird watcher and enjoyed winters on the beach in Florida. She maintained her great sense of humor and love of life to her very last day. Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Jim.

She is survived by daughter, Melinda of Madison, WI; son, Bradley and his wife, Deborah of Kingsport; and grandchildren, Joel and Gregory Greenya and Theresa, Lucas, and Mark Helmer.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Kingsport Times-News on Mar. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Helmer

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5 Entries

victoria, vicki, helmer-johnson

January 19, 2026

sorry to hear about Aunt Ruth. i didn't know her very well, our family moved from peoria area to calif when i was young. i live in pekin now. last time i saw her they lived in pekin on joan ct. i did speak to her on the phone a few years ago. her and my mother were pals as young woman. RIP aunt Ruth

Jenny Shipp

December 18, 2024

Memories of playing Scrabble and sharing good books. Jenny Shipp

Ellene Andrew

April 27, 2024

I was just going through some old correspondance of my dad's and found a Christmas card from Ruth & Jim Helmer. Wow! What memories flooded me. My dad, Lewis Andrew, pastored the First United Presbyterian church in Pekin, IL from about 1956-1966. I was born there and grew up with Melinda Helmer as my best friend! I was in and out of their home and remember "Mrs. Helmer" as a beautiful, woman, and I wanted to be just like her! I remember Melinda and I unpacking and looking at her wedding dress. I remember many play dates, meals, and probably overnights. My father had the highest respect for Mr. and Mrs. Helmer and my mother considered her a wonderful friend. I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful woman who left a beautiful legacy for so many.

Jack Stallard

April 1, 2024

What a sweet, sweet person. I enjoyed seeing Ruth each time she could attend my Sing Along with Jack programs at Asbury Steadman Hill. She surely did love music, and it was always a pleasure to play requests she would make. I'll miss her greatly. Your family has my deepest sympathy. Jack Stallard

Jenny Shipp

March 31, 2024

Sad to hear of Ruth´s passing. We were friends for many years sharing a passion of playing Scrabble, reading and lunches out. With deepest sympathy to her much loved family. Jenny Shipp

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Memorial Events
for Ruth Helmer

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home

1221 Stewball Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660

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