Ricky was a kind hearted bull rider.
Ricky was born May 29, 1953, in Dallas, Texas to Gene Howard and Nadine Evelyn Bilyeu. He attended school at Hinton and Hydro, graduating from Hydro High School with the Class of 1971. Immediately after graduation, he joined the United States Army National Guard, where he served his country for six years. Ricky was a bull rider in his younger days, and along with a friend, Craig Smith, ran a Bull Riding School at Hinton. Lane Frost was among the young riders who once attended their school. Ricky enjoyed rodeo, and also raised hunting dogs. He received many trophies showing his dogs. He also enjoyed working in his yard and loved being a grandpa.
Ricky was a man who had a sweet spirit in his heart. His wife, Susan, remembers he was the kindest man she ever knew. During their time in business, the Helmuths held many fundraisers for those in need. Ricky always believed in Jesus Christ and made a heartfelt confession of faith in his Lord, reaffirming his belief shortly before he died. A heavy equipment operator, Ricky worked for Sewell Brothers Construction and Echo Tech, and in the oil field industry. He married Susan Renae Prince on February 23, 1993. Together they operated the Hydro Bar from 2003 until 2016, when Ricky's health began to fail due to cancer. Susan was by his side when he passed away peacefully early Monday morning, November 22, at his home.
He was preceded by his siblings Rhonda Helmuth Guinn, and Howard Helmuth and his wife Beverly; nephew Ryan Dunn; and parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Susie, of the home; his children and their spouses, Shawna Stroup of Henryetta, Tessa Triplett of Hydro and Tori Triplett of Luther; and his grandchildren, Blakely Aldridge, Kyton Tripplett, and Tylar "Bug," Tanner "Hammie, " and Taylar "Bubbles" Spicuzza. Also surviving are Susan's siblings and their spouses, to whom he was very close, Greg and Peggy Prince, Larry and Beverly Prince Cluck, David and Kimberly Prince Peters and Brad and Stephanie Prince; as well as other family members and a host of friends.
Services for former Hydro businessman, Ricky Gene Helmuth, will be at 2 PM Thursday, December 2, 2021 at the Bethel Mennonite Church in Hydro. Pastor Steve Entz will officiate with burial at the Niles Cemetery east of Hinton, directed by Ingram, Smith, & Turner Mortuary of Yukon.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Ricky Gene Helmuth, please visit our floral store.