Ruth M Helgemo

Ruth Mappes Helgemo, 84, of Edwardsville passed away on November 21, 2023 at Allied Hospice Center after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on May 11, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Margaret Kern Mappes.

She was a graduate of Meyer’s High School Class of 1957. Throughout her childhood she helped her father in his bakery business, Margie’s Bake Goods, up until her graduation. She worked as a teller at the Wyoming National Bank before joining the Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company as a secretary for the national advertising department. Not long after starting this new position her future husband saw her through the window while heading down the alley to the mail room. Their courtship blossomed into a beautiful relationship anchored in their shared faith in Jesus Christ that spanned 61 ½ years of wedded bliss.

Ruth was baptized into her faith at St Peter’s Lutheran Church and remained a member of the church throughout her life. She was an active member of the Walther League, the church choir, and a Sunday School and VBS teacher. She loved to teach the children to sing as well as learn about the truths and teachings of the Bible. Ruth was also an active community volunteer for over 25 years working with NAMI Wilkes-Barre as well as founding the OCD Support Group in the Wyoming Valley. She founded the NAMI Walk that continues to this day to help bring awareness, compassion, support, and understanding for people struggling with mental health issues.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother Irene Glatz Mappes, and her sisters Margaret Higgins and Doris Toennes.

Surviving is her husband William R Helgemo Sr; son William and Ruth Goldman Helgemo Jr of Chicago IL; and daughters Kathryn Helgemo and partner Kathie Null of Lawrenceville, Grace Helgemo of Kingston; Amy Janosky and her husband Bill of Hunlock’s Creek; grandchildren Ryan Helgemo, Eric Helgemo, Sara Helgemo, William Janosky III, and Jacob Janosky; special friend Chyanne Jones-Null and 24 nieces and nephews.

The Helgemo family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr Bruce Saidman, Oncologist, and to Allied Hospice Center for their compassionate care they provided to Ruth.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 27th, 11:00AM at St Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church 1000 South Main St Wilkes-Barre. Calling hours will be held from 10:00 -11:00 AM at the church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc of Wilkes-Barre.

Memorial contributions in Ruth’s name may be made to:

Medical Oncology Associates Cancer Treatment Center 382 Pierce St Kingston, Pa 18704

St Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church 1000 South Main St Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706.