Ruby Rose Helmbolt

Ruby Rose Helmbolt, beloved goddess, mother and grandmother, died at home on Tuesday, June 9, 2009.

Ruby was born July 2, 1929, in rural Nebraska and later moved to Gooding, Idaho, where she attended the Thorn Creek one room school house. She spent many an hour climbing trees, making paper dolls, drawing pictures and reading books.

Ruby’s parents were William Koeppen and Alma Weflel. She was one of nine children. Her father was a day laborer, and to make ends meet, their family played music at local barn dances.

Ruby attended Idaho State College in Pocatello, graduating where she received her RN degree and found the love of her life. Ruby married Eugene Helmbolt Nov. 11, 1951, in Twin Falls Idaho. They moved to Amarillo where Gene was stationed in the Air Force. Eight months later Gene was deployed to Korea and Ruby moved back to Twin Falls to live with her in-laws, she worked double shifts at the local hospital.

When Gene returned from Korea, he and Ruby were transferred to Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake. Ruby worked as a nurse at the Old Samaritan Hospital until she had her first child.

Ruby was highly involved in the community. She was an officer in the Jr. Women’s club, Girl Scout leader, performed puppet shows and told stories all over the school district. She was named Washington State Woman of Achievement. Ruby was the stage manager and set designer for the Miss Moses Lake Pageant for 32 years. She painted the backdrops for the Moses Lake High School musicals as well as the musicals held at Big Bend Community College. Ruby was involved with the Soroptomist club as well as the Sister City Organization. She was an active member of the choir at St. Martins Episcopal Church.

Ruby was an avid and self taught artist, and was generous with her many talents.

Ruby is survived by her daughter Kristin Jones and husband Tim of Palouse, Wash., daughter April Lechelt and her husband Mitch of Arlington, Texas, five grandchildren: Ethan Jones, Sarah Jones, Noel Jones, Chelsea Lechelt and Shayne Lechelt, two brothers, Wilmer and Jerry Koeppen and one sister Pearl Myers.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Helmbolt of 51 years; brothers Lewis, Art, Walter, Kenneth, and sister Opal.

Family as well as her many loving friends will dearly miss Ruby. Memorial contributions may be made in Ruby’s name to St. Martins Church for their “Feed the Hungry” program.