Ruby "Dean" Helton

Ruby Gladdine Helton, known to all as Dean, of St. Clair, MO departed this life in St. Clair, MO on Monday, July 28, 2025, having reached the age of eighty-four years, eight months and twenty-five days. Dean was born in Licking, MO on November 3, 1940, daughter of Virgil Coy Barton and Goldia Arlene Barton nee Gorman. On February 24, 1958 she was united in marriage to Marion Letha Helton, known to all as Bud, and four children came to bless this union. Dean is survived by two sons, Jim Helton of Valley Park, MO and Bob Helton of Arnold, MO; by her daughter, Sherry Clark and husband, Glenn, of St. Clair, MO; by nine grandchildren, Jessica Rogers and husband, John, Arleana Holtzmann and husband, Keith, Sheana Endicott and husband, Mike, Savannah Helton, Sam Helton and wife, Kayla, Shelby Helton, Tyrone Clark and wife, Rebecca, Khelsey Woodcock and husband, Tyler and Gabriel Clark; by her great-grandchildren, Hunter, Ryan, Eddie, Sierra, Rose, Narhyia, Tristan, Allie Annie and Waylon will be here soon; by her special friends, Lucy Clark, Mary Lyles and Jim Hutchings; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Dean was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Goldia Barton; by her husband, Bud Helton; by one son, Al Helton; by her brothers, Coy Barton and Hayward Barton; by her sisters, Annettia Wethy-Beers and Lorettia Barton; by one grandson, Jimmy Helton; and by her daughters-in-law, Lele Helton and Reba Helton. Dean was a Christian, having been raised in the Baptist faith and believing in the Lord as her Savior. During her working career she was employed as a nurse’s aide for St. John Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur, MO and various other nursing homes in the area and eventually cared for her husband during his sickness. Dean enjoyed going to the St. Clair Senior Center, playing bingo and watching monster and dinosaur movies on television. In her younger years she would work in her vegetable garden and can her own produce. She was a friendly, outgoing woman who never knew a stranger and would help anyone in need. What meant most to her was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be cherished by them all forever. A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Leroy Hutchings officiating. Interment will be in Anaconda Community Cemetery in St. Clair, MO. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

Ruby "Dean" Helton

November 3, 1940 - July 28, 2025