Helen Elaine Rullmann Drifmeyer

Helen Elaine Rullmann Drifmeyer passed away on October 22, 2022, at Greenfield Senior Living in Woodstock, Virginia. Helen was born February 22, 1927, the daughter of the late Alvin H. Rullmann and Rowena B. McKenzie Rullmann of Aurora, Indiana. Helen asked to express at the beginning of this obituary that she mourns the passing of her firstborn son, Jeffrey Eugene Drifmeyer. Helen is survived by her dear husband of seventy-five years, Eugene Drifmeyer. Helen and Gene were blessed with six children, Jeffrey (Gina) of Nashville, TN, Kenneth (Gail) of Westminster, CO, Sally Mielcarek of Edinburg, VA, Polly (Jay) Ashby of Edinburg, VA, Barrett (partner Ellen Ashley) of Bedford, VA, and Matthew (partner Pam Mehiel) of Bristow, VA. Helen and Gene welcomed seven grandchildren: Jeremy (Kristin) Mielcarek of Hagerstown, MD, Amanda (Eric), Bryan of Littleton, CO, Erin (Dave) Moga of Blaine, MN, Emily (Chris) Crossman of New Midway, NC, Douglas (Stacey) Drifmeyer of Littleton, CO, Julie (Patrick) Shaffner of Nashville, TN and Claire Ashby of Waynesboro, VA. The couple were Great Grandparents to nine little ones: Ben Mielcarek, Ellie Moga, Zoe Crossman, Michael Moga, Cam Crossman, Nicky Moga, Taylor Bryan, Clementine Shaffner and Drif Bryan. Helen is survived by one brother, Bud Rullmann of Cleves, Ohio. Helen attended Lutheran Parochial School in Indiana until she finished the seventh grade, when her family moved to Cincinnati, OH. Helen finished eighth grade at a local public school, but on Saturday mornings, her Dad took her to the closest Lutheran church for confirmation instructions in preparation to become a member of the Lutheran Faith, it was there at the age of thirteen that she met her future husband, Gene Drifmeyer, a member of the class. Helen and Gene began dating a couple of years later and were married in that same church on June 21, 1947. The couple relocated to Alexandria, VA where Gene pursued his career as a professional musician in the United States Army Band stationed at Ft. Myer, Virginia. In Alexandria, Helen and Gene built a home together and raised a family. While running a household with six children, Helen supported her husband's career in every way, including managing his private music lesson venture in their home for 30 years. Helen was an accomplished, self-taught ""gourmet chef"". She enjoyed it so much that it became a hobby - much to the delight of her family and friends. After Gene's retirement the couple traveled abroad and in the U.S., National Parks. They both particularly enjoyed the warm southwest states in the winter months. Home in their later years was on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Luray, Virginia and then at the Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, Virginia and Greenfield Senior Living in Woodstock, Virginia. Services will be at 1:15 P.M. on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Pastors Nate Robinson and Lauren Eanes will officiate. The Service will be live streamed on Emanuel Lutheran's Facebook Page. Burial will follow at 2:45 P.M. in Beahm's Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church 127 East High Street, Woodstock, Virginia 22664 or Muhlenberg Lutheran Church 281 E Market St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Cemetery Details Beahms Chapel Cemetery 1272 Lee Highway Luray, VA 22835 Previous Events Service OCT 30. 1:15 PM (ET)Emanuel Lutheran Church 127 East High Street Woodstock, VA 22664

Helen Elaine Rullmann Drifmeyer

February 22, 1927 - October 22, 2022