Helen Ray Bartlett, 85, of Hendersonville, went home to be with the Lord and her love of 60 years on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2009, following a brief illness.

She was born and raised in McDowell County, NC, the daughter of the late Von Ray and Kate Conley Ray. She graduated from Marion High School and Cecil’s Business College. After graduation, she moved to Washington, DC, to work for the Dept. of the Navy. A few years later she transferred to Asheville and worked for the General Accounting Office of Postal Accounts Division, where she met her future husband. After moving to Hendersonville, she accepted a job with the Hendersonvillle City School System, where she worked until retirement. She was a member of Mills River United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy W. Bartlett, and her brother James C. Ray.

She is survived by two daughters, Susan Spehr and husband Frank, and Rebecca Russell and husband Tony; two sisters, Jean Ray of Hendersonville, and Barbara Sims and husband Bob of St. Petersburg, FL; a brother Donald Ray and wife Mary of Hendersonville; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at Mills River United Methodist Church at 4:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Mills River United Methodist Church, 131 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River, NC 28759. Guests may sign a register book at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Mortuary is assisting the family with the arrangements.