Helen Irene Adams

Helen Irene Adams, 81, of Nowata, Oklahoma, passed away Friday afternoon, May 2, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by her family after a sudden illness.

Helen was born April 6, 1944, in Nowata, Oklahoma to Bennie Little and Vivian (Douglas) Little. As a child, she grew up in the Delaware, OK area and attended Delaware High School, graduating in 1962. Helen married David W. Adams on November 3, 1962 in Nowata, Oklahoma but they later divorced in 1986. They had three beautiful daughters, Donna, Anita and Vivian. Helen worked as an accounts payable clerk for Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, OK. After working there for several years, she retired and moved from Bartlesville to Nowata County as she wanted to live in the country. She moved next to her daughter, Anita and son in law Burke LaRue of Chelsea, OK in 2021.

She loved fishing but if she had her choice, she loved fishing for crappie. She used to love to play bingo in her younger years. She loved volunteering within the community. She was a very independent and active individual who stayed very busy. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Donna Smith and husband Roger of Delaware, Anita LaRue and husband Burke of Chelsea, and Vivian Adams of Caney, KS; grandchildren, Hannah Miller and husband Kyle, Darrin Smith and wife Keeley, Robby Smith and wife Kaley, Megan Jernigen and husband Ramey, Wesley Smith, Kevin Smith, Daelyn Smith and Legend Smith. Great grandchildren Harley, Wyatt, Dean, Demarco Miller, Zoe and Hudson Smith, Abigale, Everly, and Gavin Smith, Clara and Kellen Jernigen; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bennie and Vivian Little, her sisters Dorothy Hoppock and Ruth Krajicek, and brother Ramon Little. Her best friend, Maggie Blevins.

Helen was a strong willed person who was loved by many and gave more than she was willing to receive. What a legacy she leaves with her family. Helen has been cremated and the family plans have a private celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home of Bartlesville. To send an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.