Ruth C. Hellhake
Ruth C. Hellhake, 97, of 834 College Ave, beloved mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, died at 2:21 am, Sunday, May 17th, in Blessing Hospital after a brief illness. She was vibrant right until the end. She loved life and was a born fighter. Born August 1, 1922, Ruth was the daughter of Jacob Meckes and Mary (Greving) Meckes. She married John K. “Duke” Hellhake on December 6th, 1952. He preceded her in death on March 15, 1994.
Ruth was a graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School and was an accomplished artist in high school. She worked at the International Shoe Factory during World War II and when Duke returned from the war, they started a family. She was an awesome mother and homemaker when her children were young attending all their school activities and parties. She then went to work for her niece, Shirley Borman at Spring Lake Country Club where she worked for over 34 years retiring at 77 years old. She met and shared numerous friendships among the members over the years.
In her retirement she loved to quilt, do needlework and made many beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. She loved to shop especially at Christmas and the holidays were always a joyous time in her home. It gave her great joy to give joy to her large family. Though quiet and seemingly reserved, she was the loving bedrock of the family. Ruth also loved books and was an avid reader. She loved reading all the new releases of her favorite authors before her eyesight failed her. Her death leaves a huge hole in our hearts that only time will heal.
She was a member of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. But she had been a long-time member of St. Rose of Lima parish and was a lifetime member of their Ladies Auxiliary. Many friendships were formed at St. Rose as she served the church faithfully at all the card parties helping to raise money for her parish. She was a hard worker and always reached out a hand to help those in need. She passed down a legacy of service to her family.
She is survived by (3) daughters:
Patricia (Don) Huechteman of Quincy; Pamela Derhake of Quincy (formerly of Naperville), and Deborah (Terrence) Riddell with whom she lived;
(4) grandchildren; Karen Carroll (Gordon Forbes) of Quincy; Kenneth Bartelt of Quincy; Dr. Adam (Molly) Derhake of Quincy, and Adria (Jake) Stapleton of Glen Carbon, IL;
(7) great-grandchildren; Jamie (Chris) Robnett of Quincy; Patrick Carroll (Freya Andich) of Quincy; Andria (Jonathan) Silver of Hazelwood, MO; Gene (Hannah) Rosenkoetter of O’Fallon, MO,; Kristie (Marcus) Crider of Quincy, Brynn Stapleton of Glen Carbon, IL and Gracie Logdson of Quincy and (5) great-great grandchildren; Mia, Audrey and Curtis Robnett; Eleanor Silver and Hadley Rosenkoetter;
(2) Nieces; Patricia Meckes and Shirley Bornman.
She lived to enjoy four generations of offspring and they loved calling her Triple G.
In addition to her husband, John, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Lewis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go to the Good Samaritan Home staff and to the Blessing Hospice and Palliative Care representatives who assisted and comforted her at the end of her journey in this life.
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, there will be a private service for Ruth. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank all their friends and family for their love and support during this time.
Please be with us in prayer and feel free to send a card or note to the family directly or through the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Quincy Humane Society, the Quincy Public Library, Quincy Notre Dame or St. Francis Solanus church. Arrangements are with Duker & Haugh Funeral Home
www.dukerandhaugh.com
Dear Deborah and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your Mom was such a sweet lady. Hugs to you, my friend
Even though we have not been members of SLCC for many years, we always remember Ruth. She was such a great waitress & always very friendly. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family.
I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with both Ruth and Deb. Ruth had a great spark to her that made her so fun to be around. Her personality was the best and she will be missed! Blessings upon the whole family.
DEAR Debbie
So many years had passed but h I w i remember you and family at St. Rose.
My mother who went to school with your mother at ND class mates gives her condolences too. Mom is doing great and lives alone at 98.
I will have a mass said at St. Rose too and send a card to you.
Your mother was a gem of the years I knew her.
Please know. I will keep her in my prayers.
Requiem Pace’
Paul K. Geers
President of the latin mass society of Quincy./historic St. Rose of lima
Pat, Pam and Deb, Kim and I were so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. We always appreciated seeing her at Spring Lake, she was ALWAYS on point! Great lady! Our sincerest condolences. May she Rest In Peace.
Ruth was a beloved library patron and she will be missed. Sending prayers for peace and comfort in this trying time.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, Deborah! With love from the Sheely’s