Helen Elizabeth Rary

Helen Elizabeth Freeze Rary, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend of China Grove, passed away at the age of 101 on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Tucker Hospice House in Concord.

Mrs. Rary was born on April 11, 1925, in Rowan County to the late Gibson Alexander Freeze and Florence Bostian Freeze. She was educated in Rowan County schools and worked for more than 30 years in the weave room at Cannon Mills.

She was a longtime, devoted member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church in China Grove. She enjoyed working alongside her church family at various events through the years and was often referred to as a "saint" because of her faithful service, kind and loving heart, and devotion to helping others in any way possible.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Sanders Rary; her brothers, Floyd, Earl, Clyde, Tillman, Jay, Albert, and Paul Freeze; her sister, Cora Lee Rufty; her daughter-in-law, Connie Rary; and her grandson-in-law, Garon Lowe.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Tony Rary of Kannapolis; her daughter, Benita Wooten and husband Randy; and her son, Dean Rary and wife Jill. She is also survived by her grandchildren and their spouses: Carmen Brinson (Chris), Jared Rary, Lindsey Lowe, Nikalas Wooten (Kenzie), Emilee Wooten (Lukas), Luke Rary (Anna), Tyler Rary (Victoria), Trey Goodnight (Semra), and Chris Goodnight. Her great-grandchildren include Carly and Laney Brinson; Reid Lowe, Macy and Jaxson Rary; Ella Goodnight; Stone and Creed Wooten; Scottie Bea Rary; and Edis Goodnight.

A special thank you is extended to her longtime caregiver and dear friend, Katie Plummer. Her care, compassion, and companionship meant so much to our family.

Many will remember Helen for her delicious cookies, pies, cakes, and, most of all, her biscuits. Sunday dinners at her home were enjoyed by family for many years and will always be cherished.

A service of worship and celebration of Helen’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 4820 NC Hwy 152W, China Grove, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the church fellowship hall beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at West Lawn Memorial Park, 1350 S Main St, China Grove, NC.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rary family.