Helen Cline

Helen Rose Cline was born to Loren and Catherine Callahan Cline on Feb. 14, 1932, near Lacy. She died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, at Hennessey Care Center.

Her Valentine’s Day birthday was shared with her grandfather, J. A. (Art) Cline, and with her great-nephew Mitchell Mills.

Helen attended school at Lacy, graduating in 1950 as valedictorian and received a bachelor’s degree from OSU in 1953 and a master’s degree from OU in 1963.

She taught high school English and speech in Pawhuska, Normandy, Mo., and Oklahoma City before turning to an editorial career.

Helen received an OU Press fellowship and worked as an editor for the Oklahoma Publishing Company in Oklahoma City, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Williamsburg, Va., and the American Library Foundation in Chicago.

Helen retired in 1992 and returned to Hennessey, where she cared for her father until his death in 1994.

She enjoyed living in her hometown, renewing relationships with family friends, and taking an active interest in the community. She formed Friends of the Library and co-chaired the Hennessey 2010 Committee.

Preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Pat, she is survived by her brother Mike Cline and wife Judy of Tulsa and her sister Cathie Arnold and husband Jerry of Hennessey. Also surviving are three nieces, Pam Haines, Pene Cline, Jenny Meiners, and a nephew, Perry Cline, and their children and grandchildren.

Helen’s last days were made comfortable by the Hennessey Nursing and Rehab staff, the presence of family and friends, and the expressions of concern by friends near and far.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Helen Cline Scholarship Fund, established by Friends of the Library, Hennessey.

Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Hennessey Cemetery Pavilion under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.