Helen Bernadine Ritchey

Helen Ritchey, 82, Blair, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Mangum. Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Friday, June 28th, at the Blair Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Helen Bernadine Ritchey was born on March 10, 1942, to Frank Eddie and Ida Helen (Symbor) Cucina at the U. S. Submarine Base in Coco Solo, Canal Zone, Panama. She attended school in Galveston, Texas where she was a graduate of Galveston High School. Later, she met her husband, Franklin Louis “Frank” Ritchey. They married April 11, 1987, in Newport, Oregon and together they owned and operated a Dairy Queen. Helen was a member of the Catholic Church.

Helen had a gift of flower gardening and preferred to grow her favorite sunflowers. She was an avid reader of Steven King and if she did not have one of his, she would settle for a good mystery novel. In between books you could see her doing a cross-stitch project or indulging in her love for travel, especially all over the world. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ida; and a sister, Francis Cucina. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Frank; son, Kevin Gerhart; and daughter, Kathy Cotner-Thornton; four grandchildren, Dustin and Cassy Gerhart and Tobin and Brady Baker; and one brother, Rick Cucina.

Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.