Helen Ruth Fitzgerald

Helen Ruth (Henderson) Fitzgerald was born in Harrison County, MO on March 4, 1931 to Nora (Cheney) and Raymond Henderson. She passed away on Feb. 19, 2024 due to an injury with complications. This was roughly 2 weeks before her 93rd birthday. A child of the Great Depression, the family moved around from northwest Missouri to Pitcher, OK during her early school age years. At age 12 she was moved in with her older sister, Dorothy, where she stayed until she graduated from High School in Bethany, MO. She married Dean Fitzgerald in 1948. They had 3 children and were married for 24 years. They moved to Columbia, MO in the mid-1950's.

Helen worked for the Columbia public schools and Stephens College as well as launching her own small business teaching ceramic classes. She was a talented crafter which she thoroughly enjoyed. After her divorce she worked at the Boone County Recorders Office where she remained until her retirement. For several years she was active in Parents Without Partners making many good friends there.

Helen lost her youngest, Bryan Jay, to a motorcycle accident in 1981 at age 19. She outlived her 3 siblings. She is survived by her daughters Linda Goodwin, and Pamala Hancock (and son-in-law Mike Hancock). She had 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and her nephew Jim Underwood.

If you knew Helen, you are invited to graveside services February 29 at 2:00 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, MO.

She loved her roses, especially pink ones. Instead of sending funeral flowers, consider sending pink roses to someone you care about in memory of Helen.