Helen Ruth (Truehill) Ray

Helen Ruth Ray was born Helen Ruth Truehill in Houston, Texas on July
31st, 1929 to her parents Mr. Percy and Mrs. Cecil Truehill. The family
moved to Seattle Washington in 1943. Helen confessed Christ by 1944
joining First AME Church.

Education was important to Helen and correctly seen as the only way to
support a family. As a young African American girl a long way from home,
she went on to nursing school and began a 25+ year nursing career. Even
on an LPN’s salary, Helen found the time and extra money to give to
others. She would often go to nursing homes to read the Bible with friends
who could no longer attend services. Her selfless efforts continued long
after she retired. Food for the homeless, food bank drives, etc. Because
Mom was never a “me first” girl, Helen’s daughter Kathy pushed her to
travel…often. Together they did Jamaica, the Bahamas, Canada, etc. and
she finally had the “me” time she deserved.

Modesty is an understatement when describing Helen. We always leaned
on her for guidance and her soothing words of advice seemed to always
come into play for us and when she needed someone to lean on later, both
Church and Family were there.

God was always first for Helen, but family was a close second and even
though she departed this life on January 2nd 2018, she leaves a beautiful
family to cherish her memories: her sons Mark Pitts Sr. and Anthony Ray;
her grandchildren Celeste Brooks and Mark Pitts Jr.; her great grandchildren,
Cherelle, Michael, Paul Jr., Sammy Jr., Londyn, Makhalea, Jaiden and
Adrianna; 4 Great Great Grandchildren and many In-Laws, cousins and
loving friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her former husband Frank Pitts, daughter
Kathleen Pitts, former husband Samuel Smith, grandson Samuel Robinson
& husband John Ray.