Helen Ruwwe
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.
Aunt Helen was a wonderful person. As Christians we believe she still is. As a teacher she touched a lot of lives. As a mom she raised some great kids. May the grace of God be with us all.
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s death. After reading your beautifully written summary of her life, and all the things she enjoyed and shared with her family and friends, I am sure she will be missed. Just remember that earth’s loss is heaven’s gain!
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s death. After reading your beautifully written summary of her life, and all the things she enjoyed and shared with her family and friends, I am sure she will be missed. Just remember that earth’s loss is heaven’s gain!
Thoughts and prayers for my friend and a wonderful class lady. I will miss her and her spirit
What a beautiful and loving tribute to your mother Helen Ruwwe, sister to George, Harold, Donald, Norma, Nadine, Leonard, and Richard, grandmother, aunt, sister in law and daughter.
She lived a full and rich life, touching so many in her time on Earth.
I am grateful to have spent time with her and her husband in their lovely home in 2013 while traveling across country. She will be remembered with love.
Deepest condolences to the Haynes, Ruwwe, Maddox, Dismuke, Ratliff and Clary families and to all those who knew and loved her.
May She Rest in Eternal Peace. 🙏🏻🕊️✝️