Helen was born and raised in Plainview, Texas to the late Albert and Letha Dean. She was a member of Collegedale Community Seventh-day Adventist Church and a retired professor from Southern Adventist University and Loma Linda University. Helen loved gardening, reading, music and animals.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Knittel, and her parents.
Surviving are her husband, Pastor Rolland Ruf; son, Jeff (Crystal) Knittel; daughter, Sherry (David) Campbell; step-children, Rolland (Tina) Ruf, Jr., Warren (Jane) Ruf and Stephen (Jodi) Ruf; grandchildren, Joseph Drew, Jessica (Simon) Barrera, Jacob McNeal-Drew, Andrew (Erin) Knittel and Rachel (Joshua) Carithers; step-grandchildren, Adam Ruf, Becca (Travis) Donaldson, Sarah Ruf and Amanda Ruf; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy (Bill) Moon and Cheryl (Richard) Carpenter; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 4 – 6 PM on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the funeral home.
A Memorial service will be private.
We respectfully request that "social distancing," wearing masks, and all CDC measures be adhered to at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Worthy Student Fund at Southern Adventist University.
