Kai LaRue Helling

June 15, 1936 - October 19, 2020

Kai LaRue Helling Born on June 15, 1936 in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Randall Webster Bowman and Francis Leone “Blondie” Bowman. Kai grew up in Omaha with her two younger sisters, Barbara and Sandy. Winters in Omaha were typically snow-filled, Kai and her sisters often enjoyed ice skating at their local park. Every year Kai would be in charge of cutting the Yule log for Christmas and decorating it. Kai’s sisters remember walking with Kai through the snow to a pine tree to find the perfect branch for their Yule log. On May 28, 1955, after five years of courtship, Kai married Duane Lee Helling, the love of her life. Their love and marriage stood the test of time. This past May they celebrated 65 years of marriage. They moved to Oklahoma to be closer to Kai’s parents and sisters soon after getting married. Together, Duane and Kai brought into this world two sons, Duane Randall and Scott Allen, and a daughter, Tammy Jo. Kai chose to stay home to care for her children and look after her home. She embraced the role of homemaker and was a devoted wife and mother. Kai enjoyed many hobbies throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, bowling, playing bunco, she loved her plants and maintaining a well-kept lawn. Kai was the dedicated “lawn mower” of her home. Kai also enjoyed shopping trips with her daughter, Tammy. Kai’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren became a central focus in her life. She was known to keep peanut butter and jelly on hand, as well as chocolate milk for the grandkids, just in case they stopped by. Kai was the epitome of a grandma. She never missed sending a birthday card, an anniversary card or even a holiday card. She was a very punctual grandma. Kai passed away on Monday, October 19, 2020, at the age of 84. She was preceded in death by her parents, Randall and Blondie Bowman. Kai will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Duane. Those left to cherish Kai’s memory and carry on her legacy are her children, Duane Randall Helling (Barbara), of Inola; Scott Helling (Christine), of Pembroke Pines, Florida; Tammy Helling, (Bill Richardson), of Tulsa. She will be forever missed by her six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, Chris Helling (Lindsey), Sophie, Mercy and Noah Helling of Jones, Oklahoma; TJ Helling (Polly), Anna Jo, Caleb, Isabelle, and Titus Helling of Inola, OK; Jerod Helling (Emily), Evelyn Helling of Ponca City, OK; Greg Helling (Jenna), Nora and Jack Helling of Edmond, Ok; Stephanie Ellis (Paul), Charlotte Ellis of Tigard, Oregon; Rebecca Gudz (Cullen), of Tallahassee, Florida. Kai will be missed by her sisters, Barbara Jacobson (Jimmy), of Broken Arrow, OK; Sandy Bedford (Fred), of Broken Arrow, OK; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews and friends. Kai will forever be missed for the love she gave and always remembered for her giving heart. She was a blessing to many.