Helena Mae (Watson) Ruhl

Helena Mae (Watson) Ruhl, 84, passed away Jan. 24, 2025, in Corning, AR. Helena was born December 17, 1940, to Herbert Glen and Alice LeVeta (Reese) Watson in Ottumwa, IA. Helena graduated BS cum laud in Business Administration and Economics from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO. She married Kenneth Earl Ruhl September 8, 1963, in Luray, Missouri. Early in their marriage, they moved from Illinois to LaBelle, MO, working their first farm together and raising a family. Helena earned her teaching certificate and began teaching high school. In 1977, they purchased a new farm and moved to Qulin, MO. Helena did administrative work for several years and continued graduate studies receiving a Doctorate in Education from Arkansas State University. Helena began teaching accounting courses for Three Rivers Community College in 1987, also serving as Division Chair of Business and Social Sciences for 12 years. Her teaching career spanned 27 years, retiring in 2014. Helena was recognized with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Missouri Teacher of the Year.

Helena was an accomplished pianist and soprano vocalist. She began playing for church services as a young girl, accompanied the C-SC Choir while in college, and played for many funerals and weddings. She also accompanied high school students competing in vocal and instrumental contests. Helena was raised, baptized, attended, and served in a Christian church as the adult Sunday school teacher, pianist/organist, and choir director. Helena’s hobbies included reading, sewing, gardening, embroidery, hummingbirds, and Raider basketball. Her many activities included teaching sewing for 4-H, giving piano lessons, serving as secretary for Mingo Tractor Club, and sitting as board member for Mid-South Christian College during their accreditation process.

Helena is survived by her siblings-in-law, Eva Beth Dismore, Leona (Bob) Mettemeyer, Larry (Linda) Ruhl; three children, Becky (Brian) Hartwig, Tony (Sundy) Ruhl, Peggy (Jeffrey) Peterson; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Helena was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Kenneth; her parents, Herbert and Alice Watson; her in-laws Earl and Geneva Ruhl, and one brother-in-law, Wayne Dismore.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Mid-South Christian College, 4540 Knight Arnold Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30th, 2025, from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff, MO. Funeral services will immediately follow with Pastor Todd Allen officiating. Burial will take place at Kingston Cemetery in Liberty, Illinois on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Helena Mae Ruhl. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com