Ruth G. Clay was born to Pastor and Mrs. R. Glenn Morton on April 24, 1929 in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). She died peacefully at home in Fairfield on Monday, August 16, 2021 at the age of 92. She lived a full life, on three continents. She was born a British Citizen at a time when the British Empire circled the world. She grew up in Southern Africa, moved to the United States following World War Two, where she attended Pacific Union College and met her first husband, Pastor Hjaltar Helmersen. They return to Pastor Helmersen's home country of Norway where she supported him in his ministry. In 1951, she returned to the United States and worked at Fresno State College. In 1962 she graduated from La Sierra College and began her teaching career. She taught Elementary school in the Grand Terrace School District and the Colton Joint Unified School District. She married a second time in 1979. She was married to Neil Clay for 17 years, and ran a branch library in Sun City Arizona. In 1995 she moved to Suisun City to be near her son Richard Helmersen and his family.

During her years in Suisun City and Fairfield, Ruth wrote poetry. She was active in PEO, the Wednesday Club, and Retired Teaches. She volunteered at the theater in Suisun and loved exploring our region. She was also active in her church community and Church Women United. Ruth loved nature and during her years in Arizona she volunteered for Nature Conservancy.

Ruth was proceeded in death by her parents, Augusta L Morton and R. Glenn Morton, and her daughter in law Lynette Helmersen. She leaves behind her sister Dorothea Cheek of Loma Linda California, her son Richard Helmersen, his wife Martha Helmersen, and grandchildren Rochelle Verspul (Shaun), Krystle Padilla (Brent), Bryan Rompas, and Kimberly Rompas. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins around the world.

We wish to thank the staff of Continuum Hospice for their loving support of our mom during this past year. Without their loving support we would not have been able to provide the comfortable environment she wanted for her final months.

At her request no formal services are scheduled.