Helen Marie (Ryen) Leasure, 95 of Rochester Mills, died Monday, April 15, 2024 at Mulberry Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Punxsutawney. Born, May 10, 1928 in Rochester Mills, she was a daughter of the late Harry Harrison Ryen and Mary Frances (Work) Ryen Leasure. She was the widow of James Craig Leasure who died in 1995.
Helen had a quick wit and great sense of humor. Even at her age, she never slowed down, never forgot a birthday, still baked her (almost) famous rolls and could frequently be seen on her cell phone sending text messages or playing Phase 10 with her grandchildren. Her kindness was contagious and she was affectionately known as the baby whisperer. She was a graduate of Marion Center High School. She was a loving wife and mother who worked at home, helping to raise her children and care for her husband. She was a member of the Rochester Mills Presbyterian Church where she had been a member of the church choir. Helen enjoyed bowling and had bowled for 50 years until reaching the age of 94. Her favorite bowling lanes were: Punxsutawney Groundhog Lanes and Mohawk Lanes in Indiana. She was also a sports fan who enjoyed cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.
She is remembered by her children: George Leasure (Jean), Pleasant View, TN; Paul Leasure, Rochester Mills; Pat Prushnok (Butch), Indiana; and Lori Sawyer, Rochester Mills. Her nine grandchildren are: Carolyn White (Robert); James Leasure (Darcy); Melia Prushnok; RJ Prushnok (Amy); Mike Prushnok (Jessica); Kristin Small; Katie Bernat (Zach); Ryen Sawyer (Lindsey) and Andrew Sawyer (Isabella). Helen is also survived by 18 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by: son-in-law, Tom Sawyer; great grandson, Jaxon Leasure and grandson-in-law, Virgil Small. Helen was also preceded in death by her siblings: Harry, Paul and Neal Ryen and Ruth Ryen Rumgay.
Helen was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Visitation is Thursday, April 18th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory of Indiana (965 Philadelphia St.). Her funeral service is Friday, April 19th at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Pastor Jerry Hoch will officiate. Interment will follow at the Pine Grove Cemetery, Rochester Mills.
Memorial donations may be made to the Rochester Mills Presbyterian Church, or to a charitable organization of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: rbfh.net .
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