Helen Ruth McConoughey, 89, born in Des Moines, Iowa, died November 9th at home in Jefferson, Maryland, surrounded by her family. Helen was born on May 23, 1927, to Carl Newton James and Margaret Ellis James. She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, and the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in 1948. She was a member of the U. S. Cadet Nurse Corps. Helen was married to Samuel R. McConoughey for 64 years, until his death in 2013. During their marriage they resided in Iowa, Michigan, New York, Texas, and New Jersey, finally settling in Maryland for the last 48 years. Helen practiced nursing in various states, concluding her nursing career at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Throughout her life, she was devoted to, and always remembered her family and extended family. Her caring was appreciated by all. When her time was near, she was visited by everyone who was able to travel, reaffirming their love for her, letting her know she would be missed. Others were able to talk to her and express their love over the phone.Helen was preceded in death by her sister Judy. Helen will be remembered by her step daughter Diana Decatur, step grandsons Travis and Kyle Anderson. Son Paul and his former wife Debbie, granddaughter Carrie and husband Ben and great granddaughter, Aubrey Reichard. Son Bruce and wife Darlene, grandson Scott, wife Rachel, and great grandson, Craig. Granddaughter Rachel, husband Brandon and great granddaughter Ellie-Anna Huell. Grandson Kent, wife Alison and great grandson, Jeremiah. Daughter, Kathy, husband David, grandsons Zachary and Thomas Cutler. Mark and wife Bil, and granddaughter Ashley and sons Richard and Kenneth. Also Helen's sisters Mary Lou and Janet, cousin Shirley and niece Becky, as well as many other nieces and nephews and special friend, Shirley Wolford. The family would like to thank Dr. Martha Pierce, the staff of Meritus hospital, Ravenwood Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of Frederick County for their care and kindness during Helen's last days. Memorial gifts may be made to Unity Point Health Foundation, designation Blank Children's Hospital at www.unitypoint.org or the .A memorial service will be held in at the convenience of the family.