Rutha Helfrich Obituary
We bid farewell to Rutha Helfrich (Laconia, New Hampshire), whose journey of life gracefully concluded on May 24, 2025 at the age of 100. Rutha touched countless lives with warmth and kindness, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever echo in hearts. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Leverett P. Jenness and Rutha E. Jenness (Thimm); her brother Warren L. Jenness; her husband Charles "Chuck" Helfrich; her friend Catherine Helfrich Hart; the father of her children E. Lawrence Higgins; and her stepchildren, Charles Cushing Helfrich, Jr. and Cathy O'Neil.
She is survived by: her children, Richard L. Higgins (Christine) of Cocoa Beach, FL, Lauran R. Higgins of Greenville, NH and Mary Elisabeth "Lisa" Drouin (Jack) of Belmont, NH; her brother Fredrick L. Jenness (Fran) of Brattleboro, VT; her grandchildren, Jennifer Hayes, Richard Higgins, Jr., Nina Beliveau (Michael), Sean Higgins, Jarod Leroux and Seth Leroux; and her stepsons, Otis L. Helfrich II (Brenda) of Fletcher, VT and Craig Helfrich of Westford, VT. She is also survived by several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 14th 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home (164 Pleasant St, Laconia, NH 03246).
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Gilford Public Library, 31 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH 03249, (for the purchase of new materials), or to Lakes Region VNA, either online at lrvna.org or 186 Waukewan Street, Meredith, NH 03253.
