Helen Ruth Lankist

Helen Ruth Lankist, of Enterprise, AL, passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation. She was 82.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, December 23, 2024 at Meadowlawn Cemetery with Father Zachary Greenwell officiating. The family will receive friends at Meadowlawn from 10:00 AM until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen’s name to S.O.S. Animal Shelter, 25944 AL-134, Enterprise, AL 36330.

Helen dedicated her life to nurturing the children around her, offering both love and guidance as she raised her children and cared for the neighbors' children. She was affectionately known as Mrs. Helen. Helen’s commitment to childcare was evident in the in-home daycare she operated. Helen had a love for gardening. Her passion for gardening mirrored her approach to life, tending to those around her with care and nurturing them to flourish. Mrs. Helen leaves behind a legacy filled with compassion, dedication, and a love for family that will be remembered fondly. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Woodrow and Laura Douchett Gagnon, husband Francis Withold Lankist, Sr., daughter Lisa Joanna Lankist, two sisters Lisa L. Morin and Georgette A. Lankist, and two brothers Paul Emile Gagnon and Richard W. Gagnon. 

Survivors include her two sons, Matthew Edward (Ed) Lankist (Kay), Marianna, FL; Francis (Frank) Withold Lankist, Jr. (Michelle), Navarre, FL; two sisters, Marie Henry and Ernestine Stoddard; two grandchildren, Zachary K. Lankist and E. Nicole Lankist.