Helen Geneva (Ragon) Rusch, baptized into the hope of Christs resurrection, died from complications of pneumonia on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, in Irving, Texas. Helen leaves a cherished legacy of love, which showed itself in countless traits, including her goodness, diligence, and generosity. The fifth of nine children, Helen was born Nov. 12, 1924, to Garret and Laura (Schontz) Ragon. She grew up in Casey, Illinois. She and her husband, Norman Rusch, were married June 18, 1949, in Indianapolis and had six children. Their fourth child, Cheryl Ann, died in infancy; first-born Catherine Rusch Davis of St. Louis died in 2010. Helen and Norm were married for 45 years, until Norm's death in 1995. Helen is also pre-deceased by brothers Clarence Ragon, Leonard Ragon, Carl Ragon, and William Ragon, and by sisters Doris Sackewitz, Edna Florence, and Marie Traylor. In addition to her sister Delores Apple of California and numerous nieces and nephews, Helen is survived by her children, who are so thankful for their mother's lifelong gift of selfless love, which she shared equally with their spouses: Linda Rusch Althoff (William) of Irving; Stephen Rusch of Miami; Mark Rusch (Ellen) of Plano, and Patricia Rusch Donovan (Steven) of Dallas. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, whose love for their grandmother is exceeded only by hers for them: Jarrett Davis (Courtney), Sarah Davis Rosen (Jon), and Zachary Davis (Paola); Matthew Althoff (Heather) and Anne Althoff; Patrick Rusch; Kathryn Rusch Agruso (Paul), Rachel Rusch, and Benjamin Rusch; and Daniel Donovan, John Donovan, Joseph Donovan, and Andrew Donovan; Helen's family and love extend to her five great-grandchildren: Samuel Althoff and Maggie Althoff; Catherine Rosen; and Teresa Agruso and David Agruso. Following their years in Indianapolis, New Jersey, and Houston, Helen and Norm retired to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, where they continued a commitment of active involvement in their parish. Helen remained in Fairfield Glade for seven years after Norm's passing, moving to the Dallas area in 2002 to be nearer three of her children. She was an early resident of St. Joseph Village in Coppell. When the effects of Alzheimer's no longer allowed her to continue living independently, Helen moved to Silverado-Valley Ranch. Her children are so grateful for the tender care she received there for the past 18 months. In addition to being a supportive and loving mother, Helen delighted in her role as grandmother - "the kind of grandma what plays." She happily sprawled on the floor for Stratego games, enthusiastically pitched whiffle balls to eager batters, patiently instructed flour-filled kitchen endeavors, and joyfully monitored playground outings. Always - always - her priority was her family. The sadness of Alzheimer's does not erase the significance of her character. A memorial Mass in the chapel at St. Joseph's Village, 1201 E Sandy Lake Rd, Coppell, will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation or to Hospice of Cumberland County (TN) would be appreciated. Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site. Arrangements are under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 1820 N. Belt Line Road Irving, Texas 75061