Mary Helton

Mary Elizabeth Osage Helton went to Heaven on April 23, 2012, at 5:30 AM in her home in Prue, Oklahoma at the age of 97 years. Mary was born on October 25, 1914, to Ebben and Rena Osage at their home in Gabriel, Oklahoma, North of Tahlequah. Her father was a full blood Cherokee. She grew up in Tahlequah working her way through high school and college. Her hard work paid off by eventually owning the Raeburn Hotel in Tahlequah. Mary received her Bachelorís degree from Northeastern State and did her Masters Work at Tulsa, University. Mary was united in marriage to Robert Lee Helton on July 29, 1932, in Stillwell, Oklahoma and to that union there are three daughters Linda, Patti and Susan. When Robert was drafted in World War II, Mary along with many other women worked in the shipyard of Los Angles, California. The women took over the menís jobs due to the onset of World War II and Mary was a welder until Robert returned. Mary then dedicated her life to her family and teaching. Robert and Mary taught at Shady Grove and Pierce, Oklahoma. In 1947 they moved to Prue, Oklahoma and lived in a Teacherage on the school property at Old Prue prior to the town relocation in 1963. Robert Helton was the Superintendent, math teacher and coach. While Mary Helton taught English and business classes as well as working in the office. She loved teaching, the school and the community. Mary always had a positive attitude and saw the silver lining in every cloud. She lived every day to the fullest and her students kept her young. Education was very important to her and Robert. She wanted every student to succeed and helped them in any way she could. She took many on their first out of state trip, airplane ride, boat ride, restaurant, trip and contests. Her hobbies include hunting, reading, fishing, boating, traveling and working crossword puzzles. In her later years she really missed quail hunting and walking in the woods. Mary loved animals especially her dogs. Mary and Robert raised livestock and always had a large garden. She also enjoyed canning the fruits of her labor. Mary enjoyed life, visiting with family, friends, kids and grandkids. The children always made her laugh, she said ìchildren are a blessing!.î Mary was preceded in death by her dad Ebben Osage, mom Rena Collins, husband Robert Helton, sister Winifred Reese and brother Jerry Osage. Survivors include three daughters Linda Helton of Mannford, Oklahoma, Patti Whorton and her husband Tom of Prue, Oklahoma, Susan Kulla and her husband John of Prue, Oklahoma; two grandchildren Jason Whorton and his wife Amanda, Tionna Archer and her husband Ronnie; four great grandchidlren Coleton, Julie, Jackson, Austin and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, April 27, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Prue, Oklahoma with Rev. Garry McDevitt officiating. Burial will follow in the Prairie View Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.