Ralph E. Helmintoller, 99, of Hot Springs, Va., died on Thursday, February 18, 2010, at the Bath Community Hospital in Hot Springs.

He was born on January 5, 1911, in Bath County, Va., the son of the late Peter C. "Pete" Helmintoller Sr. and Georgia Snyder Helmintoller. He was married to Edna Johnson Helmintoller, his wife of 72 years, who preceded him in death on January 15, 2005.

Mr. Helmintoller began his working career at the Railroad Express Office in Hot Springs. He was employed by Armour Meat Packing in Norton, Va., for three years and the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach for two winters.

He then worked for the Homestead Resort in various departments: Skeet Pro for one year, night auditor for one year, purchasing, paymaster, the head cashier in the Accounting Office, the personnel Manager for 14 years, Manager of the Homestead Club for eight years, and then back to the Personnel Manager again for 14 years. He retired after a total of 45 years of service. Mr. Helmintoller organized and emceed the Homestead employee's children's Christmas party for many years and worked the annual horse show for many years. He received many trophies and patches for skeet tournaments.

He was a member of the Ashwood United Methodist Church. He was a Mason with the Valley Springs Lodge #265 for 73 years and a Mason with Covington Lodge #18. He was a member of the Kazim Temple with associations to the Hot Springs Shriner, the Clifton Forge Shriner and the York Rites Shriner clubs. He was a member of the Eastern Star, Warm Springs Chapter #38 having served as Worthy Patron twice; the Odd Fellows Lodge and the Millboro Ruritan Club. After his retirement, he was a volunteer for Bath County Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by three children, Peter C. "Pete" Helmintoller III, of Las Vegas, Nev., William B. "Bill" Helmintoller and wife, Stephanie, of Payson, Ariz., and Julie M. Williams and husband, Terry, of Good Year, Ariz.; a sister, Bessie May Stoneburner, of St. Louis, Mo.; two grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Peter C. "Cokie" Helmintoller Jr.; four sisters, Dorothy Neff, Gladys Forbes, Virginia Painter and Georgia Powell; and a daughter-in-law, June Lowry Helmintoller.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home, Hot Springs, Va., with the Reverend Lynn Wright and Pastor Donald Lee Altizer officiating. Interment will be in the Jones Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jim Tennant, Walker May, John Hart, Marshall Hart, David Craft, Ralph Riner and Ray Rodgers. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, February 23, 2010, from 7 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Va.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hot Springs Rescue Squad, P.O. Box N, Hot Springs, Va. 24445.