Leah Maria Helldoerfer

Leah Maria (Buker) Helldoerfer (8/15/1925- 3/2/2018) passed away Friday with loving family at her bedside.  She leaves a giant chasm in the lives of those who knew her.  Born and raised in Ohio, Leah spent the last 35 years in Rockwood Tennessee.   

Countless lives are richer for having known “Miss Leah”, who went to meet the Lord she had served selflessly her entire life.  Leah’s strict upbringing led her to blossom into a courageous, often stubborn, selfless lady with deep integrity, who left her indelible mark in the hearts of those around her.  Leah always gave tirelessly, filling countless roles in her 92 years: devoted wife, loving mother, beloved grandmother and great grandmother, seamstress, accomplished quilter, comforter and healer, amazing cook, gardener, realtor, animal caregiver and so much more.  She was a Minister to our Lord in nursing homes for homebound Catholics, sharing succor and sacraments.  A devout Catholic and active member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Dayton, Tennessee, faith was a cornerstone of the beautiful woman who has now completed her work here on earth.  All who knew this amazing woman knew her as a loving, giving, stubborn, light hearted lady who laughed, lived and loved three times worth.

Preceded in death by parents, Guy Riley Buker and Mary Catherine (Hemmer) Buker, brothers, William Frances Buker,.Donald Owen Buker and John Thomas Buker, sons, Michael Edward Helldoerfer and Matthew Owen Helldoerfer and daughter, Sylvia Redmond.  Leah survived her husband of 43 years, Russell Edward Helldoerfer, mourning his loss in her life daily, ever faithful to the love they had nurtured and shared.

Leah was raised in a strict fashion which gave her strength, integrity and love that she shared boundlessly.  Every dear one’s passing left holes in her life which she filled with faith, family and an unwavering belief they would eventually be reunited.  Surviving Leah are her children, Cathy Marie Helldoerfer of Rockwood, Tennessee, Arthur Guy Helldoerfer and Janine Anne (Helldoerfer) Taylor, both of Columbus, OH.  She leaves 11 grandchildren including, Alicia, Eric, Carie, Katie, Mike, Justin and Lil Bob with whom she shared close relationships, One great grandchild, Brooke along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews.  This family has lost its beloved matriarch and grieves the loss deeply.

There will be a Memorial Mass said in Leah’s honor at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Dayton, TN, Wednesday March 7, 2018 at 6:30pm. 

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