Helen passed away July 1, at the age of 83 after a twelve-year battle with ovarian cancer. Born in Russell county Virginia, she was preceded in death by her parents, Ceary and Maude Sluss; her loving husband of 62 years, Carl Ray; three brothers, Curtis, Vernon, Wayne and her stepson Don.
Left to cherish her precious memory son Michael Ray (wife Joy) and daughter, BJ Miller; her sisters, Thelma Perry, Naomie Fields and brothers Kyle and Gary Sluss; five grandchildren, Dylan, Shelley, Heather, Kirstie, Zach and one great grandchild, Vivian.
Helen was an accomplished seamstress and homemaker, but also worked outside the home. Utilizing her skills from Whitney business college, she worked for the Naval Department in DC until Carl whisked her away to Detroit after they married. She ended her work career at Monroe Calculator Company in Bristol where she was the administrative assistant for an office of 6-7 men who admired her ability to keep them all organized. She would describe her best years as Carl’s early retirement in 1987 at which time they downsized their house, upsized their RV and did volunteer work with the SOWERS ( Servants on Wheels Ever Ready) for a number of years. Helen was also proud of hiking the Appalachian Trail with Carl – a 6 week journey through Vermont to Delaware – most of which she hiked with a broken arm after an early fall on rocky terrain.
Helen is fondly remembered by the many lives her sweet smile and positive attitude have touched over the years. At her request in lieu of a funeral, Helen chose to have family and friends visit her at home to say their farewells.
