Helen Angeline (Ribel) Ptomey passed with peace and grace on her 93rd birthday, Sept. 10, 2017 at her home in Daytona Beach, Florida. She was born in Fairmont, WV to John and Jennie (Tangari) Ribel on Sept. 10, 1924. Helen was the youngest child and the last remaining survivor of her immediate family. Helen married the love her life, Robert M. Ptomey, on Dec. 20, 1942. She worked for the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company for over 40 years. While in Fairmont, Helen was very involved with the Taran Club, whose goal was to provide food and clothing for less fortunate children and families in Fairmont. She was also an active member of Trinity Assembly of God in Fairmont and Indigo Lakes Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. Helen and Bob retired to Daytona Beach, Florida in 1988. She was a fantastic cook who loved to have dinner parties for her friends and family, especially at Christmas which was her favorite time of year. She will always be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and dear friend whose greatest passion was helping others. In addition to her husband, Helen was predeceased by brothers Louie Ribel (Kate), John Ribel (Dora), Frank Ribel (Emma), Jimmy Ribel (Virginia), and sisters Katie Saurborn Durand (Leonard) and Mary Tusing (Lee). Other family members that predeceased her include brother-in-law, Michael Ptomey Jr, nephews Louie Ribel Jr., Arthur Ribel, Jimmie Ribel Jr. and nieces Shirley Ribel Spadafore and Jean Madden. Helen is survived by her three children: sons Michael (Carolann) Ptomey of Daytona Beach, Florida and Cranston, Rhode Island, and Richard Ptomey of Daytona Beach, Florida and daughter Rebecca Shafer (David) of Roswell, Georgia. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law Virginia Ptomey Sewell and Dorothy Ptomey as well as many nieces and nephews. Her life sincerely made a difference that will be felt by others and be remembered by so many for a long time to come. Helen's children will bring her and Bob's "cremains" to Fairmont where they will forever be together.
Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal on Jan. 7, 2018.
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