Linda Marie Helean's Obituary
Linda Marie Helean was born April 15, 1947, in Oakland, California, to A.W. "Dub" and Dorothy "Dot" Farquhar. She passed away June 20, 2026, in Jenks, Oklahoma, at the age of 79. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dennis Farquhar.
Linda is lovingly remembered by her children, Kimberly Baker and her husband, Kyle,
of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Aimee Griffin and her husband, Mike, of Kiefer, Oklahoma; and
Robert Stunkard and his girlfriend, Maria Carreno, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was a
cherished grandmother to Alex Trompler and his girlfriend, Samantha Laster, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Ashley Baker and her girlfriend, Kamri Harris, of Frisco, Texas; and Eli Griffin and his fiancée, Tatum Kersey, of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
A military child, Linda moved every two years growing up as her father served as a chief petty officer in the United States Navy. With each new place, she adapted quickly to new schools and communities, carrying with her memories of California, Hawaii and Texas. She especially treasured time with her grandparents, cousins and extended family.
Her family eventually settled in Nocona, Texas, where she spent her high school years and proudly graduated with the Nocona High School Class of 1965. Even as a teenager, Linda had a strong sense of style and was rarely without her makeup bag and mirror, always ready for a quick touch-up or a final check before heading out.
She went on to attend North Texas State University in Denton, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1969, majoring in elementary education and minoring in art. Linda continued learning throughout her life, including some graduate studies and continuing education at the University of Tulsa, the University of Oklahoma, Northeastern State University and Oklahoma State University.
Her career began in education as an elementary school teacher in Denton, TX. In 1975, she earned her real estate license. After relocating to Bixby, Oklahoma, she worked for Mortgage Clearing Corporation in Tulsa before dedicating the majority of her career to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, where she served as a social services specialist from 1991 until her retirement in 2009.
Linda was deeply proud of her time with DHS, where she earned numerous certificates of achievement and recognitions, including Employee of the Month. Her
professionalism, dedication and quiet spirit left a lasting impression on both
colleagues and clients.
Creative at heart, Linda expressed herself through watercolor painting, oil painting and sculpture. Even in her later years, she found peace in drawing and coloring. She was also an avid reader with a lifelong love of literature, language and grammar. Linda lived life on her own terms as an introvert by nature and found joy in simple pleasures and quiet moments of solitude.
She stayed closely connected to the world through television and news, rarely missing a broadcast and faithfully watching national news as well as KOTV’s News On 6 each morning, midday and evening. Once during a midday broadcast featuring an adopt-a-pet segment, an adorable, bug-eyed, bow-legged Chihuahua instantly caught her attention. Without hesitation, she called the number on the screen and soon welcomed home her loyal companion, a dog she named Tiger Lily after the character from Peter Pan. “Lily” brought Linda, a lifelong animal lover, years of gentle companionship, comfort and love.
At her request, no formal funeral service will be held. She will be laid to rest alongside her parents and brother at Bixby Cemetery in Bixby, Oklahoma.
Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Grace Living Center in Jenks,
Oklahoma, and Good Shepherd Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
Her loved ones will hold her memory close and cherish the love and lessons she leaves behind.
Yellow roses were Linda’s favorite flower and will forever remind her family of her,
the beautiful Yellow Rose of Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Good Shepherd Hospice in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3613&np=true
https://www.goodshepherdhospice.com/donations/
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