The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS – Ralph E. Helmintoller, 99, of Hot Springs, died Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the Bath Community Hospital in Hot Springs.
He was born January 5, 1911 in Bath County, the son of the late Peter C. “Pete” Helmintoller Sr. and Georgia Snyder Helmintoller.
He was married to Edna Johnson Helmintoller, his wife of 72 years who preceded him in death on January 15, 2005.
Mr. Helmintoller began his working career at the Railroad Express Office in Hot Springs. He was employed by Armour Meat Packing in Norton, for three years and the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach for two winters. He then worked for the Homestead Resort in various departments; Skeet Pro for one year, night auditor for one year, purchasing, paymaster, the head cashier in the Accounting Office, the personnel manager for 14 years, Manager of the Homestead Club for eight years, and then back as personnel manager for 14 years. He retired after a total of 45 years of service.
Mr. Helmintoller organized and emceed the Homestead employees’ children’s Christmas party for many years and worked the annual Horse Show for many years. He received many trophies and patches for skeet tournaments. He was on the Board of Directors for BARC for 59 years.
He was a member of Ashwood United Methodist Church. He was a Mason with the Valley Springs Lodge 265 for 73 years and a mason with Covington Lodge 18. He was a member of the Kazim Temple with associations to the Hot Springs Shriner, the Clifton Forge Shriner and the York Rites Shriner. He was a member of the Eastern Star, Warm Springs Chapter 38 having served as Worthy Patron twice; the Odd Fellows Lodge and the Millboro Ruritan Club. After his retirement he was a volunteer for Bath County Meals on Wheels.
He is survived by three children, Peter C. “Pete” Helmintoller III of Las Vegas, Nev., William B. “Bill” Helmintoller and wife, Stephanie of Payson, Ariz., and Julie M. Williams and husband, Terry of Good Year, Ariz.; a sister, Bessie May Stoneburner of St. Louis, Mo.; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Peter C. “Cokie” Helmintoller, Jr.; four sisters, Dorothy Neff, Gladys Forbes, Virginia Painter and Georgia Powell; and a daughter-in-law, June Lowry Helmintoller.
A funeral service was conducted at 11 today McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home with the Rev. Lynn Wright and Pastor Donald Lee Altizer officiating. Interment was in the Jones Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jim Tennant, Walker May, John Hart, Marshall Hart, David Craft, Ralph Riner and Ray Rodgers.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hot Springs Rescue Squad, P.O. Box N, Hot Springs, Va. 24445.
