Esther Ruth Helmuth

Esther Ruth Helmuth (Benzler) was born December 12, 1925, in Fresno, CA, to Daniel Benzler and Mary Benzler (Kleim). The youngest of four children, she was sister to Evelyn, Russell, and Stanley Benzler.

Esther graduated from Washington Union High School in Easton, CA in 1942. She worked for Del Monte for 30 years, covering many positions.

She married Leo Helmuth on October 3, 1952. They had two sons, Randall James Helmuth, and Gerald Lee Helmuth.

She was a devout member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and a longtime member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.

Esther dearly loved her family, and was dearly loved in return.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leo; her brothers; her sister; her sisters-in-law, Effie Benzler, Virginia Helmuth, and Allina Austin; nephew, Jeff Benzler; and niece, Betty Chatman.

Esther is survived by her sons, Randy, and Jerry and wife Nancy Ann; grandchildren, Julie Garra and husband Jim, Jordan Helmuth and wife Tamula, and Rylan Helmuth and wife Angela. Esther's greatest joy was her great-grandchildren, James Garra, Jr., Skylar, Jewel, Ethan, Aria, and Evan Helmuth.

She is also survived by her nephew, Frank Austin and wife Raquel; beloved nieces, Cherry Davidson and Hank Sullivan, Laura Maher and husband Dennis, and Kelley Benzler; great-nephews, Leorn Chatman, Matthew, Luke, and David Austin, Sean Davidson, Kevin and Ian Maher, David and Joe Fritz; great-niece, Jessica Benzler; and great-great nephew, Henry Maher.

Friends and family, Esther loved us all very well, and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel on Monday, April 30, 2018, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2101 N. Fruit Ave., Fresno, CA 93705, at 1:00 p.m.

Esther asked that any donations be made to Valley Children's Hospital, 9300 Valley Children's Pl., Madera, CA 93636.