Helene Ruth Ray

Helene Ruth Kurtz Ray (aka Mom, Grandma and Honey), 94, passed away peacefully at her home in the Bonaventure, late Thursday night, April 24, 2025. God blessed us by granting her peace and serenity so she may be reunited with her beloved husband, Sylvan, her parents and other precious loved ones.

Helene was born to Faye and Joe Kurtz on December 31, 1930, in Dallas, Texas. A New Year’s Eve birthday would be the foretelling of a wonderful, exciting and fulfilling era full of beauty, glamour and sparkle. She liked to say “Everyone Celebrates My Birthday”. Helene enjoyed and embraced life as if it were a big party.

Helene grew up and lived her entire life in Dallas, attended North Dallas High School and the University of Texas in Austin. Then at the tender age of 19, she met the love of her life, Sylvan Ray. They married in 1950, had three children whom she adored. She lost her cherished husband Sylvan to cancer when he was only 63. Even through this tragedy she bolstered the courage to be the strong, resilient head of her growing family. Helene found love a second time and was married to Howard Alexander from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She spent much of her life doting on her children, grandchildren and a fun-loving brood of great grandchildren. She is survived by her three children, Joel Ray (wife Terry), Cindy Ray Yablonsky (husband Bruce) and Harry Ray. Helene was blessed with five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Joel’s daughter Brittany Feldman (husband Josh and their daughter Mara), son Colby Ray (wife Paige and their son Hudson) and Collin Ray. Harry’s son Sylvan Ray (engaged to Maddie and his children Alana, Morgan, Zachary and Baby Charlie), and Cindy and Bruce’s son Ryan Yablonsky. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Sylvan Ray, her brother Stanley Kurtz, and her grandson, Preston Ray.

Helene had a wonderful sense of humor and when she laughed, she meant it. Her charm, grace, humor, beauty and gaming talents made her the classic lady we will always remember with love in our hearts. She lived life large! For many years, one of her favorite activities was Vodka Night with her lifelong girlfriends, of which she had many. She loved to play games, never turned down a trip to Vegas, and her dear friend Adie Steinberg was still driving them both to Winstar Casino in Oklahoma several times a month into their late 80s. Helene was a life member of Hadassah and long-term member of the National Council of Jewish Women.

In lieu of flowers, the family is recommending donations be made in Helene’s memory to the Southwest Jewish Congress www.swjc.org and the Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas www.jfsdallas.org or a charity close to your heart.

A “Celebration of Life Service” will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 12 Noon in the Chapel at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, followed by a luncheon in the Lounge in Helene’s honor. 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225.

The family will be gathering, and welcomes all who would like to join us, on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 5:30pm at The Bonaventure - the Venetian Room - for a Shiva service. 5200 Keller Springs Road, Dallas, Texas 75248.