Hudson Falls
Helen Irene (Dennis) Ruffing Dickens, 78, of Fairview Lane, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday January 4, 2017 with her loving husband by her side.
Born in Glens Falls, NY on June 13, 1938, she was the daughter of the late, Laurence and Nellie (Black) Dennis.
Raised in Argyle, Helen attended Argyle Central School, graduating in the class of 1955. After graduation, Helen enrolled at the Plattsburg State University earning a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in 1959.
Upon her return from college, Helen started working as an elementary teacher, something she would do for the rest of her working life. She first taught at Beekmantown Elementary before moving and gaining employment at Jackson Heights Elementary in Glens Falls. After two years at Jackson Heights, Helen took a job at Maple St. Elementary School teaching the second grade before taking one year off to raise her child. Upon her return to Maple St. Elementary School she took a position teaching the fifth grade, until her retirement in 1993.
On October 10, 1981, Helen married, Ron Dickens, at the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls. The marriage was co-officiated by the Rev. James Graham and the Rev. Pat Butler.
Faith was very important to Helen. As a child she attended the Argyle Presbyterian Church with her family. From 1961 to present she was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls, taking on an active role in the church. Throughout the years she was known for being a Sunday school teacher, an Elder of the Church, a position she held for many years, a Moderator of the Church, the Clerk of Session for 10 years as well as receiving the Woman of the year award from the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls. She also served as a Moderator for the Albany Presbytery, a member of the Committee on Ministry, a Delegate to the General Assembly as well as extensive work as a member of the Board for Camp Hebron.
Outside of church and teaching, Helen enjoyed traveling with her husband, Ron. She was extremely Patriotic visiting 46 State Capitols and over 30 Presidential Homes. Helen loved to participate and watch sporting events, she loved country music as well as patriotic music, animals, including horses and eagles and she loved strawberries. Most of all she enjoyed the time she spent camping and traveling with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Helen is predeceased by her infant brother, Kenneth and her daughter in law, Jennifer Ruffing.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 35 years, Ron Dickens; her sons, Larry (Patti) Ruffing, Jerry Ruffing, James Ruffing and Tom Ruffing; her step children, Ronald (Cindy) Dickens, Laurie Dickens, Michael Dickens, Charles (Isabelle) Dickens and Jennifer (Jess) Moreno; her brother, Edward ( Alice) Dennis, 16 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
At the family’s request there will be no calling hours.
A memorial service will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday January 21, 2017 on the park at the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls with the Rev. Michael Plank, officiating.
Burial will be on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Helen’s name can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls, 9 River St. Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or to the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern NY Chapter, Pine West Plaza Building 4, Suite 405 Washington Ave Ext. Albany, NY 12205.
Arrangements are in the care of M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway Fort Edward, NY 12828. To view Helens’ Book of Memories and to post online condolences, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com
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