Helen Ruth Young

Helen Ruth Lattimer Young arrived in this world on Valentine’s Day 1927, much to the delight of her father. She was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia and is the daughter of the late Homer Franklin Lattimer and Dycie Thelma Lattimer (nee Miller). She passed away July 11, 2023, following a short illness.

Helen is survived by daughter Barbara Anne (Samuel) Bidwell of New Bern, North Carolina; son Michael Walter (Rebecca) Young of Wellington, Ohio: grandchildren Carrie Ann (Christopher) Gibilisco of Westlake, Ohio; John Walter Bidwell of Catonsville, Maryland; and Christopher Michael (Sarah) Young of Elyria, Ohio; great-grandchildren Audrey, Daniel, and Carson Gibilisco; and her cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her wonderful husband Walter Willard Young; beloved brother and sister-in-law Preston Don Lattimer and Nancy Bennett Lattimer, as well as her dear brothers and sisters-in-law.

Helen spent her early years in West Virginia and moved with her family to Wellington, Ohio at the start of her sophomore year of high school and attended the remainder of her school years in Wellington High School. It was there she met the love of her life, Walter Young, while participating in a school science project. Walter and Helen remained a couple throughout high school and through Walter’s time serving in the Navy during World War II.

After Walter was discharged from the Navy, he and Helen were married on June 6, 1948, in the United Methodist Church in Wellington, and remained married until Walter’s death 74 years later. They made their home on Grand Avenue where they lived for over 60 years. Later they divided their time between homes in Wellington and New Bern, North Carolina, and moved permanently to New Bern in 2015.

Helen was a member of First Baptist Church in Wellington and, after the move to New Bern, Tabernacle Baptist Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life and she never wavered in her devotion to her Lord. During Helen’s years as a faithful church member, she served as a Sunday School teacher, was on the Missions Committee, and sang in the church choir. Before the birth of her children, Helen worked for local dentist George Ravitch, and later worked as receptionist at the Salon Carousel hair salon. An avid reader, Helen enjoyed frequent trips to the library and was a member of the Wellington Sorosis book club for many years. As well, she was a long-term member of Wellington Women’s League and served a term as president.

Besides reading, Helen enjoyed working in her gardens, especially her rose garden; riding with Walter on their motorcycle; shopping, especially at antique stores; collecting tea pots; and spending time with her family and friends. Helen frequently noted that her family was the ‘apple of my eye’ and friends the ‘pearls on the string of life.’ She loved to whistle and frequently whistled her favorite hymns while she did housework.

Helen was much beloved by her family, deeply appreciated by friends and family alike, and her absence leaves a hole in our hearts.

Calling hours and the service will be held at the First Baptist Church, Wellington on Saturday July 29, 2023. Calling hours will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with the service to follow immediately afterwards. There will be light refreshments served at the church hall following the private burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church, 125 Grand Ave., Wellington, Ohio 44090, or the charity of your choice.