Ella June Helms, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by her loving family in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Born on March 18, 1939, to General Lee and Ellen Mae (Brown) Martin in Mellette, she was a lifelong resident of this community and attended Eufaula Public Schools.
On Aug. 30, 1956, Ella June married Melvin Elias Helms, with whom she shared a joyful and loving marriage for 62 years. She dedicated much of her professional life to State National Bank, where she began working on March 18, 1974, and rose to the position of
March 18, 1939 – Feb. 4, 2025
Assistant Vice President before retiring on May 31, 2011.
A devoted member of the Burns Chapel Church of God in Mellette, Ella June found her greatest happiness in cheering on her grandchildren at their many activities and sporting events. She was a source of unconditional love and support for her family.
Ella June is survived by her three sons, Melvin Dewayne Helms and wife Shelly, Rodney Helms and wife Becky, and Stacey Helms and wife Christy, all of Eufaula; and her six cherished grandchildren: Rodney Lee Helms, Jr. and wife Grace, Rusty Helms and Michelle Barnes, Brooke Helms, Audra Helms-Deckard and husband Blake, Matt Helms and wife Bre, and Dylan Helms and wife Sheradon.
She also leaves behind her adored greatgrandchildren: Harper and Heath Helms, Steely Deckard, Sutton, and Sadler June Helms. Ella June is further survived by her brothers-in-law Doug Helms and wife Pat, Doyle Ginn, her sisters Wilma Burns, Carol McQuay and husband Leon, her sister-in-law Linda Martin, and her nephew Roger Burns and wife Regina.
She was preceded in death by her parents, General Lee and Ellen Martin; her husband, Melvin; her brothers Jerry Martin, Harold “Big Boy” Martin, and Thomas Martin; and her sisters Jodi Grider and Bonnie Ginn.
A funeral service celebrating Ella June’s life was held at Lake Eufaula Christian Church on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, officiated by Minister Charlie Bailey.
Pallbearers included her grandsons and dear family friends. Burial followed at the Helms Family Cemetery, arranged by Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral Home & Crematory.
Ella June Helms will be profoundly missed but will remain in the hearts of her family and friends as a shining example of love and devotion.
Online condolences can be made at www. hbmfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
