Helen was born in the family’s Sheboygan, Wisconsin, home to David and Emilie Ruppel and was the sixth of eight children with six brothers and one sister. After graduating high school, Helen worked as a secretary and nanny for a local Sheboygan family. Wanting to experience life outside of Sheboygan, Helen moved to Denver, Colorado to attend business college. While there, her brother John introduced her to her future husband, Melvin.
In January of 1956, Helen flew by herself to Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico, where Mel was stationed, to get married. Helen settled into the life of being a wife to an air force pilot. While at Ramey, Helen gave birth to her first child, LeAnne. In 1959, the family relocated to Travis AFB and bought their first house in Vacaville. Three more children followed: Catherine, David, and Judy. A new assignment to Tinker AFB, OK brought her last child, Diane. After an assignment at Altus AFB, OK, the family moved again to Travis AFB and settled in Vacaville.
Helen was very busy and involved with raising her five children. She participated in various activities such as sewing clothes, leading girl scout troops, cub scout dens, and being a Sunday school teacher, as well as being in the bases officer’s wives’ clubs. Helen generously gave her time to family and church. She was known for her artistic crafts, sewing, painting, and involvement in the church choir.
After Mel’s retirement, Helen and Mel loved to travel. They visited Palm Springs with friends, took cruises, visited Europe, Great Britain, and the America’s. They especially enjoyed their time in Hawaii with family and friends. Helen was known for her sharp, quick wit, and wicked sense of humor. Helen and Mel eventually settled in Leisure Town where she loved her golf outings and treasured her weekly card games with friends. She adored the visits from her grandchildren.
Helen was predeceased by her husband of 66 ½ years, Mel, her parents, and her brothers. Helen is survived by her sister, Patricia; her children LeAnne, Catherine (Ron), Dave (Leanne), Judy, Diane (Mike); grandchildren Justin, Nathan, Taylor, Kelsey, Joe, Tyler, Steven, Miranda, Brendan, and eight great-grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life service followed by a reception on Thursday, April 4th, at 1:30pm, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Vacaville. Helen will be interred with her husband, Mel, in the Sacramento National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of McCune Garden Chapel.