Helen L. Rhines

Helen L. “Tubby” Rhines, 88, of 113 Poplar Road, St. Marys, passed away Friday, October 29, 2021, at her residence, after a lengthy illness.

She was born September 1, 1933, in St. Marys, daughter of her birth parents, the late Alfred “Fritz” and Edna Filer Erich and her foster parents, the late LaVerne “Barney” and Marie Erich, who were also Tubby’s uncle and aunt.  Tubby was a lifelong resident of the area and attended St. Marys Schools. 

On April 14, 1956, in Queen of the World Church, Helen married the late Robert M. Rhines, who preceded her in death on December 5, 1996.

She is survived by five daughters: Kim Salone of DuBois, Lisa Lavella (Chris Pistner) of Kersey, Jackie Rhines of St. Marys, Patricia Szczotka (Richard) of Ridgway, and Bobbi Jo Webber (Chris) of Melbourne, FL; six grandchildren: Phillip, Douglas, Nicholas, Thomas, Sarah, and Robert; two sisters: Kathleen “Katty” Wehler and Judith Wendel (James) both of St. Marys; five step-siblings who were also her cousins: Joanne Dippold, Donna Roseberry, Linda Mohr (William), Vern “Oats” Erich (Virginia), and Blaze Bauer (Marilyn) all of St. Marys; and by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, parents and foster parents, Tubby was preceded in death by two sisters: Shirley Adams and Gloria “Binkey” Eichmiller; two brothers: John “Jack” Erich and Donald Erich in childhood; and by her partner, Richard Haizlett.

Family came first for Tubby, she loved her children and simply adored her grandchildren.  She was thankful for the family and greatly appreciated all the loving individuals that cared for her later in life.  She was a member of Queen of the World Church.  She enjoyed her time at camp, liked to hunt, see the elk and enjoyed her dogs, Tiny and Princess.  She will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 12:00 PM, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Monday, November 1, 2021 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA  15857.