Helen Ruth Alexander, 91, of Crystal City died Dec. 21, 2024, in Herculaneum. Mrs. Alexander had worked as a secretary for several local businesses, including Goldies, and alongside her husband at Alexander Office Supply. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City where she was active in numerous church projects and a greeter for 30 years. Born June 24, 1933, in Handley, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Thelma (New) and Charles Burgess.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Henry V. “Hank” Alexander.
She is survived by five children: Anita Hess of Festus, Laurie (Gerald) Hook of Herculaneum, Thomas (Rhonda) Alexander of Festus, Mary Rose Alexander of Little Rock, Ark., and Carol (Bob) Kirkwood of Hazelwood; 10 grandchildren: Christopher Henry Hess, India (Travis) Barnard, Hilary (Aaron) Hickman, Keith Alexander, David Alexander, Brian (Kim) Alexander, Joshua Kolden, David (Yung) Swearengen, Joy Breneman and Chris Kirkwood; eight great-grandchildren: Austin Hess, Emily Hess, Ivy Hickman, Alexander Hickman, Desiree Alexander, Madison Alexander, Callie Alexander and Michael Mcatee; and three great-great-grandchildren: Aleeah Delph, Jase Burns and Sawyer Smith.
She also was preceded in death by a brother: the Rev. Cecil H. (the late Bobbye Jean) Burgess.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. An additional visitation is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. until a funeral service at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City, 107 N. Truman Blvd., in Crystal City, 63019, officiated by Pastor Carey Jones. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.