Helen R. Waite, age 92 of Medina, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 12, 2018. She was born on August 1, 1926 in Medina to the late Walter and Lois (Kennedy) Clark. Helen spent her childhood working and playing on her family’s farm on East Smith Road. It was on the doorstep of her family’s farmhouse, where her future husband Ralph picked her up for their first date. Helen and Ralph dated throughout high school. As they graduated Ralph went off to serve in WWII, and Helen proudly stayed home to serve in her own way by working at Permold Corp. The two were faithful about writing to each other through the war years, and they were married on July 23, 1948. Helen recently found great joy in celebrating 70 years of marriage, surrounded by her entire family.
In 1950, Helen gave birth to their twin boys and her life began to quickly move forward as the wife of a funeral director and a busy mother. Throughout her life, Helen was always ready to cook a meal for any guests that might arrive at dinner time. She was truly a “mom” to many in Medina, and in 1999, the Gazette named her Mother of the Year. One of Helen’s favorite roles as “mom” throughout her life was as a host mom for the Rotary Exchange program.
Helen was employed as secretary at Waite & Son Funeral Home for over 20 years.
She enjoyed her involvement with the Medina County Historical Society, Kings Daughters, special friendships through her prayer groups at Medina United Methodist Church, and her current church family at Harvest Presbyterian Church. Helen’s favorite passions included baking cookies, making special memories with family and friends at Lakeside, Ohio, tending her flower gardens, and cheering on her favorite football and basketball teams.
Helen is survived by her beloved husband Ralph E. Waite; her cherished sons, Harold (Nanette) Waite and Darrell (Carolyn) Waite; adored grandchildren, Andrew (Allison) Waite, Meredith (David) Gilpin, Brandon (Vanessa) Waite, Christopher (Ashley) Waite, Catie (Dan) Taylor, and Crystal (Jeremy) Doyle; her twelve great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear life-long friends worldwide.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Clark and Charles Clark; and sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Bowman.
Helen’s family will receive friends on Thursday, August 16, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 North Court Street, Medina, Ohio 44256, and on Friday, August 17, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Helen’s funeral service will follow on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Dr. David Wallover will officiate. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Medina.
Helen’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many caregivers assisting in their home, Medina Hospital, Avenue at Medina, and Brookdale Medina South for the special love and compassionate care that they gave to Helen during her recent illnesses.