Ruth Irene Helvey-Moeller, 88, died Tuesday (9-16-08) at Crete Manor, where she had been a resident for the last 3 years. She had alzheimers. Born (1-12-1920) in Lincoln, NE to William and Blanche (Laird) Bullock.
Ruth was preceded in death by her first husband – Gene Sengstake, an AAF B-24 co-pilot missing in action during WWII, 1944. She later married Sterling Helvey, a gifted young athlete from Havelock with whom she ran Zesto Ice Cream Shop and sold Christmas trees during the off season for over 20 years. Sterling died in 1996. Having lost both their spouse at about the same time, she then married long-time friend Allen Moeller. Allen, or Uncle Moe, as we call him, had been previously married to Anne Helvey, Sterling’s older sister. Together they danced their way across the ballroom floors of Lincoln until finally she was simply no longer able. As a young girl, Mother was quite athletic, a tennis player, ice skater, horseback rider and probably much more that we are not aware. She and Sterling put in some long hours at Zesto and we vacationed during the winter – Kingsville, Texas, being one of our more popular destinations. She loved ballroom dancing and had some of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen. Golfing became her favorite outdoor sport, but perhaps her favorite exercise – she so enjoyed walking her daughter’s little schnauzer. She was a charter member of Prairie Life and kept in good shape, surprisingly we all did considering the years at Zesto! Mother had a soft spot for animals, one in particular named Heidi. The last several of our Mother’s 88 years have not been easy – but now she is safe – forever in our hearts.
Survived by her husband: Al Moeller, who currently resides at The Legacy in south Lincoln; daughter: Pam (Helvey) Springer, Lincoln, granddaughter: Heather Springer, recently back from Iraq and now in Lincoln; son: Gene Sengstake, Lincoln.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Monday (9-22-08) at Roper & Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street.
In lieu of flowers memorials in her name will be given to the Capital Humane Society, 2320 Park Blvd. (02).