Ruth Connette Gray, 72, of  Westminster, MD departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.  Born March 21, 1945 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Richard P. Connette and Sara E. (Peace) Connette.  She was the wife of Lloyd R. Helt, Jr. They were married for 27 years.

Ruth was a graduate of Connecticut College, class of ‘67.  She worked at NSA as a Research Analyst for 10 years and was a Legislative Aide for the Anne Arundel County Delegation for 10 years.  She was a 2-term Alderman for the City of Annapolis from 1985-93, during which time she met and married her beloved Lloyd while he was serving as the Mayor of Sykesville.  Ruth was the founding President of the Annapolis Junior League.  She was a Crisis Counselor and President of the Carroll County Rape Crisis Intervention Service.  Ruth loved her church, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Westminster, an open and affirming congregation to the LGBTQ community. She enjoyed traveling the world, cruises, and working in her flower garden & koi pond. She was best known for how she loved people and together with her husband, Lloyd, sponsored many foreign students and one Naval Academy midshipman throughout the years.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, Lloyd, are daughter Martha Elizabeth Helt of Westminster; and brother Richard P. Connette, Jr. of New York City. She is also remembered by Nathan and Nicole Schneider, who were like her own children.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 18, 2017 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 17 Bond Street, Westminster, MD 21157, with the Rev. Dr. Marty Kuchma officiating. Burial will be private. 

The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  Arrangements have been entrusted to MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME in Westminster. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ at the above address, or to the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster, MD 21157.

The family requests that friends place a rose in the front window of their home to honor Ruth’s memory.

 Service Information