Helen Ruth Gatheridge was born April 23, 1942 in Hallock, Minnesota to Carl and Lois Gatheridge. Helen's tenacious spirit was with her from the moment she was born as she was premature and not expected to live – but she did! The third of Carl and Lois' four children, Helen grew up on the family farm and attended school in Humboldt, Minnesota. She graduated from Humboldt-St. Vincent High School in 1960 then moved to the big city of Minneapolis for college. Helen spent her freshman year at Augsburg College then transferred to the University of Minnesota where she graduated in 1964 with a degree in Home Economics with a concentration in textiles and design.

Helen was a hard worker who was dedicated to her career. She spent 20 years working as an interior designer, buyer, and manager at Gabberts Furniture, Montgomery Wards, and Target. Following her retail career, Helen worked for the City of Minneapolis in both the Health and Housing Inspections Departments. Helen retired in 2006.

In her non-working hours, Helen enjoyed spending time with her companion of 41 years, Merlin Tellock. She enjoyed fishing at Merlin's cabin, cooking, and traveling - especially cruises! Not only was Helen well-traveled, she was well read and could work difficult crossword puzzles with great speed and accuracy.

Helen had a radiant smile! She loved shopping - especially bargain hunting - and was a devoted coupon clipper. She loved clothes and was always well-dressed with her makeup done and her brows carefully pencilled in (even on the day she went in for esophagus surgery!). In 2015 Helen was diagnosed with esophagus cancer and, again, her chances of making it were slim. But, just like when she was born prematurely, she rallied and pulled through and enjoyed life for many more years. But, about a year before her death, her body got weaker and her lungs started slowing down from COPD. She started off 2021 in the hospital then was able to live in her beloved Shoreview townhome with additional support. Two weeks before her death, she moved to Saint Therese at St. Odilia, just down the road from her townhome, where she entered hospice care. She died peacefully on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at the age of 79.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Lois, siblings Carlene, Charles, & Douglas, nephews John Gatheridge & Albert Monson, great nephew Coty Vickerman, and longtime companion Merlin Tellock. Since her death, two more nephews, Thomas Monson and Wayne Monson, have also passed away. She is survived by sisters-in-law, Marilyn Gatheridge & Charlotte Gatheridge, brother-in-law, Mark Monson, many nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.