She was a woman of remarkable intellect, quiet strength, and unwavering faith. Gifted with a keen mind and a deep appreciation for the power of well-chosen words, she was a National Debate Champion while attending Central State College, now the University of Central Oklahoma. An avid reader, she remained curious and eager to learn throughout her life. She briefly taught school before trading city life for the Oklahoma prairie, embracing her role as the family dairy farm bookkeeper and steady force behind the operation. She remained a teacher at heart, using her gifts as a speech coach to shape youth in 4-H and FFA, including her children and grandchildren. She continuously found ways to serve her community through dedicated service as a volunteer for multiple organizations.

Fiercely devoted to her family, she spent countless hours shuttling kids and grandkids to practices, performances, and activities, with snacks in tow. She found joy in both the simple and meaningful moments of life. She delighted in blooming flowers and led an effort to seed thousands of wildflowers along the roadsides in Murray County, OK. She delighted in sharing homemade English toffee at Christmastime, baking fresh cookies, and gathering loved ones around her table. Always the family historian, she authored several books detailing the family’s history. Throughout her life, she demonstrated unwavering kindness and taught her family to honor and care for their elders.

Her faith in God was the foundation of her life and guided the way she cared for others. A devoted member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Edmond and Sulphur, she faithfully served her church communities for decades. Alongside her husband, Bill, she taught Sunday school for more than sixty years, quietly shaping generations through her wisdom, compassion, and steadfast example of Christian service.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Drudie Tanner; devoted husband, Bill Chitwood; brother, Charles Tanner; and grandson, Tanner Chitwood.

She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Ellen Chitwood and Betty Tanner; four children, Kathy (Kirk) Standridge, Laurie (Chris) Caldwell, Fred (Pam) Chitwood, and Bob (Tracey) Chitwood; eleven grandchildren, Hattie Kate Standridge, Brandi and KaDee Bramlett, Victoria Boyles, Ross and Bryce Chitwood, Jessica Brownwood, Micaiah Chitwood, Nathan and Jordan Harp; and six great-grandchildren, Laurie Boyles, Camden and Blayke Chitwood, Graicee and Ryder Harp, and Britain Brownwood.

Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, June 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at DeArman Funeral Home, 1129 West 1st Street, Sulphur, OK 73086.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on June 24, 2026 at the First Christian Church in Sulphur, OK (403 West Muskogee Avenue). Interment will follow at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, OK. Services are under the direction of DeArman Funeral Home of Sulphur.