Ruth L. Helton

Ruth Louise (French) Helton, 76, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born November 24, 1946, in St. Joseph, Missouri, the daughter of Lewis W. and Lula M. (Holder) French. She departed this life Friday, September 22, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Ruth was a 1964 graduate of Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, later she earned an associate’s degree. She later became a self-employed medical transcriptionist. 

Ruth and Gary met while they were both employed at Digital Equipment Corporation. On April 26, 1991, she was united in marriage to the love of her life Gary Helton. She enjoyed playing cards, bunko, bingo, fishing, gardening and working in her yard tending flowers. She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth loved watching the many different birds and animals that visited their beautiful home. Her many bird feeders brought many different types of birds. On a rainy day she could be found with the windows open, watching a good old western, if football wasn't playing. She traveled many places but her favorite place to be was with Gary at home doing their many hobbies. Many remember her best in the stands rooting the loudest for her family and their teammates on the field. She loved giving them nicknames and couldn't stay away from a ballgame.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband Gary of Pleasant Hill; two children, Richard D. “Rick” (and Cindy) Miller, Jr. of North Kansas City and Ronald B. “Ron” (and Kenda Klemme-Benn ) of LaCygne, Kansas; two grandchildren, Richard D. “Ricky” (and Megan) Miller, III, of Pleasant Hill and Rachel L. Miller of Pleasant Hill; three great grandchildren, Owen Miller, Olivia Miller, and Parker Miller; brother, Russ (and Rosie) French of Lawrence, Kansas; other relatives and friends.

Cremation has been accorded. Ruth's wish was to not have any formal ceremonies. 

Ruth supported the Alzheimer's Association, Pleasant Hill V.F.W. Post #3118 Auxiliary, Wounded Warriors Project and Arbor Day Foundation. In lieu of flowers her wishes would be to continue to support these organizations. These donations may also be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550