Rue Yandle Helms

Rue Elizabeth Yandle Helms, died peacefully on April 29, 2013. She was the wife of the late Chasker Theron "Chuck" Helms, retired Richland County School District II school teacher and MSG (USA). Born in Charlotte, NC on February 21, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Walker Howard Yandle and Ruby Dunn Yandle. She and Mr. Helms moved to Columbia from Charlotte, NC in the summer of 1957 when MSG Helms was transferred to Fort Jackson and she became very active in the NCO Wives’ Club, holding various positions in this organization. Upon MSG Helms' retirement from active duty service and his employment as a teacher, Rue enjoyed attending sporting events and activities in the school setting as well as bridge and bowling. She moved to Surfside Beach, SC with Mr. Helms in June of 1982 where they enjoyed retirement spending time together fishing and participating in many civic and church activities with their friends and family. Rue was a passionate shagger and loved attending various dance events whenever possible, even shuffling her feet to a shag tune on her recent 89th birthday. Mrs. Helms was an active member of her beloved Timberlake Baptist Church, Myrtle Beach, SC until she returned to Columbia in July of 2005. Surviving are her daughters, Teresa Horton (James) of Elgin, SC, Brenda Clarke of Columbia, SC, Debby Zeoli (Kenneth) of Lexington, SC; grandchildren, Michelle Brown, Patrick Horton, Scott Horton (Leslie), Robert Clarke, III, Lee Clarke (Kenzie), Tracy Gates (Bruce), Leigh Anne Nettles; great grandchildren, Shelby Raye and Thomas Jay “T.Jay” Brown, Helms Horton, Finlay Clarke, Briar Gates, Chasker and Derrick Nettles; sister, Johnnie Berthelsen of Sherrills Ford, NC; sisters-in-law, Billie Sikes of Mint Hill, NC, and Emadean Ledbetter of Davisville, West Virginia. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son-in-law, Robert Clarke, Jr.; brothers-in-law, W. H. Helms, George Helms and Dillon Helms of Charlotte, NC; and sisters-in-law, Daphne Bever and Leather Harris of Charlotte, NC. The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses and staff of the 200 Floor at NHC of Parklane for their wonderful care, kindness and support during these last several months. A special thanks is extended to Dr. Abdul Usmani of Carolina Kidney Specialists for his exceptional care of Mrs. Helms and for his compassion to all of his patients and their families. Visitation will be held 10 o’clock, Thursday, May 2nd, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Blythewood Road, Blythewood, SC. The funeral service for Mrs. Helms will follow at 11 o’clock, with The Rev. Dr. Cathy Jamieson-Ogg and The Rev. Bob Taylor officiating. Family and friends will gather for burial 3 o’clock that same afternoon, at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212. Memorials may be made to Timberlake Baptist Church, 9850 Highway 797, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588.

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Rue Yandle Helms

February 21, 1924 - April 29, 2013