Florence, SC – Helen Ray Baudendistel, 96, won the race and joined the Heavenly Celebration of the saints the morning of Friday, March 15, 2019.  Known to most as "Grandma", Helen leaves a lasting legacy of loving service.

She was preceded in death her husband of 61 years, Stanley Baudendistel.

Surviving are her son, David Stanley (Margaret) Baudendistel;two sisters, Ada Knight and Iris (Bob) Smith; six grandchildren, Timothy James Connolly, Peggy Dale Connolly Navetta, Ann Baudendistel (Ronald) Conner, Beth Baudendistel (George) Frederick, John Stanley Baudendistel; six great-grandchildren, Christopher Daniel (Christine) Teter, Benjamin Ronald (Jordan) Conner, Kara Elizabeth (Justin) Cook, Nicholas Nathaniel Navetta, Darylleigh (Daylon) Head, and Zachary C. Davis and four great-great grandchildren  who  were a very rich reward; Kylie Marie Cook, William Caedyn Conner "Liam", Adeline Rae Head, and Emberly Margaret Cook.  She is preceded in death by a child, Marian Alice Baudendistel (Tom) Connor, a grandchild, Colleen Michelle Connolly, siblings, Willard, Rachel and Calvin.

Helen was born in Fernwood, New York the daughter of the late Frank and Dorothy Ostrich Ray.   Helen, never one to be idle, worked throughout her life on farms in Catskill summer camps and at the saw mill run by her husband.  She finished her career with  ten years at a local medical supply plant and retired to her sewing, cooking, crafts and gardens.  She was a faithful member of the Hancock, NY Baptist Church and Sunday School  before  moving south in her eighties where she continued  to love Jesus and others until she flew home to Him.  We, her family and friends  were blessed beyond measure by her, and the world is indeed a better place for her having been in it.  "Well done, Grandma, good and faithful one"

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.laytonandersonfh.com Layton-Anderson Funeral Home, 4210 W. Palmetto Street, Florence, SC