Helen Loreen O'Neal

Helen Loreen (Downey) O'Neal (formerly of Cushing, OK)was born January 1, 1923 in Tulsa, OK to Miller William & Dora Mary (Kagen) Downey and passed from this life on August 25, 2014 in Oklahoma City, OK at the age of 91.

In her earlier years, Helen was an avid bowler at Strike Palace in Cushing. She was also a very active fisherman and spent yearly vacations with the family fishing for large-mouth bass at Lake Bull Shoals. In her later years, Helen became a resident at the Wellington Assisted Living in Oklahoma City serving as Miss Wellington 2012, which was sponsored by the Oklahoma City Thunder and mascot, Rumble. Helen served her duties as queen proudly and with dignity. She met and adored the Kendrick Perkins family and was able to stay connected to them. She was the number one OKC Thunder fan and never missed a game on television. She was the rock that kept our family together, but her heart was broken with the death of her daughter, Patti and she could not stay with us any longer. She will be sorely missed by her two remaining children and their families.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert W. O'Neal; her daughters, Judith Marie Baker and Patti Marcine (Baker) Crosby; 3 sisters; and 3 brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Sue (Baker) Weaver; her son, longtime tournament fisherman, Bill Baker and his wife Joyce; her son-in-law, Tony Crosby; her sisters, Patti Pinch and Dorothy Rohrbaugh; her brother, Dan Downey; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and 7 great great grandchildren.

Helen will lie in state Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by her funeral mass at 2:00 pm; both at the Ninde Brookside Chapel. A graveside service will be held 3:30 pm Friday at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.