On Saturday September 1st, 2018 Ralph Q. Helms passed away at Aurora Senior Living of Derry. He was born in Florala, Alabama on April 3rd, 1930, a son of Lulamae Helms Ward and Joel Ward. Due to the poor health of his mother Ralph was raised by his Uncle James Helms and his wife Doni Cumi.
Ralph was proud to have spent the better part of 20 years in service to his country in the US Navy. After his time in the Navy ended Ralph worked for the city of Newton, MA for many years and earned an Associate's in Science Degree from The Massachusetts Bay Community College.
He was a good Christian man that worshipped at The Londonderry (NH) Baptist Church and enjoyed playing guitar and singing right up to his final days. In his later years Ralph and Marge liked to spend their summers at a camp in Alton Bay, NH.
Ralph had six biological brothers and sisters and five more that he considered his brothers and sisters with his adopted family.
Ralph was married twice. In his first marriage to Eleanor (deceased), he had six children, Primarose A. Helms (deceased), Ralph E. Helms, Beverley A. Marmelo, Gregory P. Helms, Jeffery L. Helms & Theodore G. Helms. In his second marriage to Marjorie (deceased), he became like a father to another six children, Alan H. Shinault, Steven H. Shinault, Laurie J. Waite, Jennifer L. Fischer (deceased), Kevin A. Shinault & Jonathan R. Shinault.
Ralph was also blessed with many daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews from both of these families.
Calling hours for Mr. Helms were held at Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH on Saturday, September 8th from 9 - 11am. The funeral service followed at 11:00am in the funeral home. The burial was in the Forest Hill ?Cemetery in E. Derry. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a contribution to your church or any veteran related charity such as The Wounded Warrior Project.