Ruth Isabel Helvey

Thursday, April 5, 1923 - Sunday, October 25, 2020

Mrs. Ruth Isabel Helvey of Slocomb passed away Sunday, October 25, 2020.  She was 97. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Rev. Scott Cox officiating. 

Mrs. Helvey was born April 5, 1923 in Masontown, West Virginia to the late John Baptist and Mary Olive Fortner Gregg. Ruth began her life in West Virginia and the family later moved to Pennsylvania where she spent most of her childhood.  After graduating from high school, Ruth joined the Army and was later stationed in Washington D.C where she worked for the Secretary of the Navy.  During that time, she met her beloved Jack.  They were married on April 15, 1945 in Galveston, Texas and later settled to Cincinnati, Ohio.  Her greatest joy came with the birth of her three children.  In the late 50’s Ruth was employed with Formica Corporation where she retired as the Head of Advertising Distribution Worldwide after 35 years of service.  After retirement, she spent many happy years enjoying her children and grandchildren.  She and Jack spent many summers at Lake Erie.  Throughout her life, her priority was always her family whom she loved and cherished. 

In addition to her parents, her husband Jack, daughter, Patricia Ann Haynes; four sisters: Lucille Gregg, Mary Louise Kovach, Helen Mannisto, and Joannn Hunter; three brothers: J. Joseph Gregg, John A Gregg, and Franklin S. Gregg all preceded her in death. 

Survivors include her children: Karyn Sue Gilley, and Jack Helvey; grandchildren: Kelly Parsons (Vicki), Jeff Gilley (Lovie), Chris Gilley, Todd Parsons, Beckey Gilley Seay (Scott), Kevin Helvey (Gwen), Carmen Aicholtz (Don), and Jack Helvey (Gwen); several great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and great-great-great grandchildren;  sisters: Rosalie Eckels, Janet McMahon, and Catherine Hainaut;  brother, James Gregg; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.