1934 - 2015
FLY CREEK VALLEY - Helen T. Rhyde, 81, of Fly Creek Valley, passed away Thursday night, April 9, 2015, surrounded by her family at her home on Roses Hill Road.
She was born at home in Fork Shop on March 7, 1934, a daughter of George H. and Luella May (Bouton) Turner. A dedicated Redskin, she was a proud member of the Cooperstown High School graduating Class of 1953, which was the last class to hold their graduation ceremony in Smalley's Theatre.
On December 27, 1954, Helen married Douglas Schuyler Rhyde in a ceremony at the Fly Creek Methodist Church. Together, they raised their family and ran their dairy farm on Roses Hill Road for 60 years. She also served for 25 years as a supervisor with the Otsego County Department of Social Services.
For many years Helen was a member of Arbutus Chapter No. 317, Order of the Eastern Star in Richfield Springs, and was currently a member of Otsego-Hartwick-Arbutus Chapter No. 201, Order of the Eastern Star in Cooperstown. At one time Right Worthy Rhyde served the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star as District Deputy Grand Matron.
Throughout her life, Helen always enjoyed sporting events, and was a die-hard fan of the Buffalo Bills, the New York Knicks, and the New York Mets. All three teams now have an angel looking over them in heaven.
Helen is survived by her husband of 60 years, Douglas S. Rhyde; their four children, Patricia Rhyde, Michael Rhyde, Susan Sherman and Kelly Steele; four grandchildren, Sara Oetjen, Stacy Thoutt, Michael Rhyde, Jr., and Gabrielle Elizabeth Rhyde; one brother, Jack Turner and his wife, Nancy; one sister Violet Moshier; a sister-in-law, Gail Rhyde; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two brothers, George C. Turner and Robert Byron Turner; and four sisters, Marion Fritts, Dorothy King, Mary Frances Turner, and Shirley Record.
A Funeral Service will be offered at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2015, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Jack Klosheim, Lead Pastor of Community Bible Chapel in Toddsville, officiating. Friends may greet the family on Monday morning at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
For those who wish to make a memorial gift in memory of Helen, her family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
