Helen A. Rike

Helen A. Rike, 98, formerly of rural New Washington, died peacefully Sunday morning, January 24, 2021 at Altercare of Bucyrus after a few years of failing health.



She was born May 19, 1922 in Sandusky Twp. to the late Gilbert and Emma (Shumaker) Shuck. Helen was a 1941 graduate of Sulphur Springs High School and married John H. Rike on February 22, 1942. They were married 53 years when he preceded her in death on December 9, 1995. She worked for ITT in Galion before starting her family and was also a bookkeeper for Rike Excavating.



Helen was a devoted homemaker who loved nature, especially birds. She planted an abundant garden, then canned and froze its goods every year. She grew beautiful flowers and enjoyed visiting Kingwood Center and similar locations to appreciate their beauty. Helen was also an excellent cook. She and her husband were blessed to travel, visiting nearly every state, and spending three weeks in Europe. She was a lifelong member of the former Hope Church in Sulphur Springs where she was in the Women’s Guild and was honored with a plaque on “her pew” commemorating her 80th year of membership.



Helen is survived by daughter, Patricia Price Young; grandsons, Jeff (Tracey) Price, Scott (Tami) Rike, and Brian (Bridget) Rike; great grandchildren, Christian & Seth Price, Rodney & Lane Rike, and David & Jax Rike; great-great grandchildren, Markiss & Taylor Price; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.



In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by her son, Richard A. Rike; grandson, Chad Price; and siblings, Cleo Brown, Lois Berger, Charles Shuck, Florence Brown, and Robert Shuck.



Helen’s services will be held on Thursday, January 28 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends from 12:30-1:25 pm and her funeral will begin at 1:30 pm with Rev. Kathleen Shuck officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Sulphur Springs.



Memorial donations can be made payable to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County or Crawford County Council on Aging and given at the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on Helen’s Tribute Wall.