With gratitude and sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen L Ruwwe at the age of 89 years, on September 7, 2026.

Born on August 1,1937 to George and Sylvia Haynes, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the second youngest of eight children.  

Helen was active in a variety of sports in high school including; field hockey, softball and volleyball.  She was one of the youngest girls at Normandy High School to earn a varsity letter in athletics. She graduated from Central Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She went on to earn a Masters Degree (plus 15 hours) from Webster University.

While attending Central Missouri State University, Helen met the love of her life, Bill, and they were married in 1958. Helen and Bill welcomed their first daughter, Teri, in 1959 and six years later, their second daughter, Nancy. Bill and Helen celebrated a 55 year long loving and devoted marriage.  

Helen enjoyed her career as a fifth and sixth grade math and science teacher. She changed many lives and earned several distinguished awards including Teacher of the Year. She loved science and her students delighted in her rocket program where they obtained hands-on experience in physics, engineering and problem solving. She also caught wild tadpoles to bring into the classroom so her students could learn about life cycles and metamorphosis. Many family memories were made while gathering tadpoles for the classroom.

Helen was known for her dedication to family and her generosity. She loved spending time with family and friends, singing with her sisters, singing in the church choir, reading, traveling, fly fishing, golfing, painting, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and playing games.  

Helen is survived by her children Teri (Michael) Howard and Nancy (Joe) Ratliff; her grandchildren: Laura Clary, Andrew (Elizabeth) Clary, Steven (Lisa) Clary and Jesse (Megan) Ratliff; and her great grandchildren: Lydia, Nora, Oliver, Emma, Joe, Meika, William, Ryker and Hudson. She is also survived by her sister Norma Maddux and sister-in-law Louise Haynes and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Helen is reunited with her beloved husband Bill, her parents, her siblings and brother and sisters-in-law; Nadine and Russell Dismuke, George and Ruth Haynes, Leonard Haynes, Donald Haynes, Harold and Marge Haynes and Richard and Pattie Haynes.  

We take comfort in knowing she is with the Lord our Savior, her husband Bill and all of her loved ones who went home before her. She will forever be in our hearts.

Funeral Service Information:
In Memory of Helen L. Ruwwe

Visitation

October 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Funeral Service
October 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Location

Dardenne Presbyterian Church
7400 S Outer 364
Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368

The family welcomes donations to the American Heart Association.