Franklin Ralph Helton

Franklin Ralph Helton, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, in New Albany, Indiana. Born on November 20, 1933, in Gordon, Kentucky to Bruce and Martha Helton.  Ralph lived a long and fulfilling life rooted in family, hard work, and simple joys.

Ralph was a proud son of Appalachia and loved to tell his stories of growing up during the depression among the hills and hollers of Eastern Kentucky with his beloved eight siblings. He was a graduate of Kingdom Come High School in Line Fork, Kentucky. His strong work ethic and dedication led him to a career at General Electric, where he worked for over 35 years before retiring in 1992.

For more than five decades, Ralph made his home in New Market, Indiana, surrounded by family, close-knit friends and neighbors. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Teresa Stickler Helton; daughters, Peggy (Gary) Sutton and Diane Robinson; son, Michael (Maggie) Helton; grandsons, Michael (Kristy) Helton, Dan (Chinenye) Helton, and Taylor (Libby) Robinson; granddaughter, Ginny (Jeremy) Warner; and great-grandsons, Jake, Zach, Muna Helton, and Elias Robinson. He also leaves behind his sister, Norma (Frankie) Amick and brother, Tommy (JoAnn) Helton, along with numerous nieces and nephews who cherished his presence in their lives.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Don, Jack, and James Helton and sisters, Shirley Boling, Wanda Griffin, and Betty Doane.

Outside of work and family life, Ralph found joy in the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman who treasured time spent by the water.  A devoted fan of the University of Kentucky basketball, he rarely missed a game. His green thumb kept his garden flourishing season after season, while his skillful hands crafted countless woodworking projects that will be treasured for years to come.

His greatest pride was being Pap to Michael, Dan, Ginny, Taylor, and eventually Jake, Zach, Muna, and little Elias.  Ralph's legacy is one of quiet strength, enduring love for family, and a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures.  May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

Life celebration services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown with interment in New Market Cemetery.  Visitation will begin on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and after 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday.

The family requests that in place of flowers, donations are to be made in his honor to New Market Cemetery Association c/o Phyllis Woodward, PO Box 135, New Washington, IN 47162.