Tombstone Tuesday - April 8, 2014- Helen Ruth Densmore

Helen Ruth Stranahan was born on July 11, 1901 in Detroit, Michigan the daughter of John D. and Addie Jane(Hayner) Stranahan.  She married her cousin, Charles Ray Densmore. Charles was the son of Charles and Mary Morgan (Hayner) Densmore.  They raised an adopted daughter Donna Densmore.

Helen Ruth Stranahan

This photo is of Helen Ruth as a young woman.  In the 1910 Census, Helen is an 8 year old living with her parents and two sisters in Detroit, Michigan.  In 1920 Census, Helen is found living with her brother in Detroit  along with her parents.  She is an accountant working in the automotive industry. In 1930 Census, Helen is living with her brother,Charles, his daughter, Gwenne, and her mother Addie in Los Angeles, California.  Addie is a widow. Helen Ruth is working as a clerk for the LA City Hall. She is listed as 28 years old and not married. Helen Ruth married Charles Ray Densmore between 1930 and 1940 census. By 1954, Charles Ray and Helen Ruth are listed in a directory in Roseville, Michigan. Charles Ray died of a heart attach at the home of his sister on  January 12, 1977 and she died on April 6, 1994.  They are buried in the East China Cemetery with other Densmore and Hayner Family members.

 I found Helen Ruth's Obit which my mother had saved so I have decided to add it today. (Friday, 4/11/14) It adds interesting information about Helen Ruth.  It shows that Helen and Charles Ray were married on July 2, 1938 in Toledo, Ohio.  Helen worked for the US Government.  It also added an interesting note that Helen completed her high school education through Plymouth-Canton Adult Ed program in 1988. She was the oldest member to ever graduate and it was her life long ambition!  It  also told me that she too was a Daughter of the American Revolution member of the Port Huron and Lansing Chapters.

Happy Hunting,

Jan