Helen Louise Simmons was welcomed home to heaven Sunday, September 27, 2026, surrounded by family at Grant Medical Center. Helen was born November 26, 1938 in Calvin, WV to Roma Wells Starcher and Flora Maud Beckett Starcher. She was the youngest of four children growing up with two brothers, Robert and William, and a sister, Betty.

In her youngest years Helen grew up next to Big Beaver Creek in West Virginia, attending and graduating from Richwood High School. Shortly after she moved to Guernsey County, Ohio where she welcomed her son, Clayton Rudd Jr.

She later met the love of her life, Junior Sherwood Simmons. The two set off across the United States in their Winnebago while following Junior's work to Montana, Wyoming, Texas, and beyond. Helen was a dedicated wife who rooted her responsibilities to Junior in her Christian faith. She was strong and supportive, always having a warm meal ready on the table, and finding work herself wherever life took them. She was known during these years for making a penny stretch a mile and the two saved for their little dream cabin in the woods.

In the early 1980s, Helen returned home to Guernsey County, Ohio to be closer to her family and granddaughter. Here, she and Junior officially married on January 3, 1995 and finally built their cabin. There she spent well over forty years with Junior, together building a legacy of love and offering a helping hand to their surrounding community and neighbors. She also continued her adventures across the land surrounding their home and could be found sled riding with her granddaughter and great-grandson or sometimes even riding the four-wheeler. Helen was an avid homemaker and gardener but also worked with the Ohio D.O.T., as an assistant to those with special needs, and even behind the counter of the little ice cream stand just outside of Lore City.

Helen was known for her tenacious, strong, and joyful spirit. She ensured there was always a family gathering and a table full of food for every holiday, and she loved having a full house. She never complained, except about rain and snow; perhaps that's why the ocean was always her favorite escape. Her face would light up at the sight of her family or any small child whom she would sweep up and love as her own. She cared deeply about caring properly for others and truly lived with a servant's heart.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her son, and her husband. She desired to stay in her little piece of heaven on earth and enjoyed her final years listening to nature on the front porch swing of her little cabin. Racheal and Nathan Snodgrass made that desire possible; they became daily caretakers and the closest of friends who provided "granny" with much joy. She also stayed social, and was visited weekly by her dear friend Leanna Lowe. She always looked forward to time with her granddaughter Candace Rudd Raymond and great-grandson Kade Riddle. She took great pride especially in her great-grandson, who, though far away, at West Point Military Academy was still referred to by Helen as "my boy". She was sure to remind you each time you left her presence that she "loved you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck" and would stand on the porch and wave you all the way down the lane.

Helen is survived by her granddaughter Candace Lee Raymond (Rudd) and her Husband Mathew Raymond; her great-grandson Kade Landon Riddle; her Daughter-in-law Lee Ann Rudd;  her Sister-in-law Barbara McLaughlin; nieces Vicky and Troy Mizell, Cindy and Rick Armsey, and Brenda and Steve Shiplet.

Visitation will be held at Bundy-Law Funeral Home on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm with funeral services to begin at 1:30pm. Mark Beros will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to the food pantry at Stop Nine Church of Christ 60330 Southgate Road Byesville, Ohio 43723.  Helen will be laid to rest next to her loving husband in Harmony Christian Church Cemetery.

Please leave messages for the family on Helen's online guest book at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.