Helen Ray

Helen Ann Coughlin Ray was born on February 28, 1948, to Elaine Whelan Coughlin and S.M. Coughlin of Pipestone, Minnesota. The second of three children, Helen spent her childhood with her older brother, younger sister, and many neighborhood friends playing outdoors in the empty lot near their home on Highway 30.

Helen worked a number of jobs throughout her adulthood that she looked back upon fondly. She often spoke about the fun times and the life-long friends made at M & M and Yseth & Olson Dental Office, two places she had worked soon after graduating high school. She was also proud of her time working in the office at Bayliner, Famous Brands in Sioux Falls, and the Pipestone County Museum. Her most important work of all came later though when she stayed at home to raise her children and care for her home.

Helen married Mylan Ray of Slayton, Minnesota on May 14, 1983, and their marriage was blessed with three children: Patrick, Meghan, and Christopher.

Helen was deeply devoted to her family, friends, and Catholic faith. Always loyal, protective, and able to see the good in others, she offered grace and compassion to all. She felt things deeply and was able to find hope and joy in almost any circumstance. She took great joy and excitement for the little things in life – good coffee, chocolate cake and ice cream, laughter, and the fun of simply driving around together.

As a mother, her love and devotion to her kids could be seen and felt. She was always available to offer support and encouragement. She was in awe of her grandchildren and all of the fun things they would say or do, often joining in on the fun herself.

She was naturally creative and artistic, smart, and so very fun. She laughed easily and shared her excitement openly. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Elaine Whelan Coughlin and S.M. Coughlin; son, Patrick; brother, Ed Coughlin; and sister-in-law, Karen Coughlin.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Mylan Ray of Pipestone; daughter, Meghan (Jon) Penning of Brandon, South Dakota; son, Christopher (Brittany) Ray of Brandon; seven grandchildren, Ella, Genevieve, Finnegan, and Cecelia Ray, and Corinne, Jude, and Margot Penning; her sister, Lanai Phoung Phun; and many nieces and nephews.