OBITUARY

Helen V Dunlap

January 7, 1934 – January 19, 2013

Norman, OK – Helen Virginia Dunlap, 79, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2013, in Norman following complications related to pneumonia. Services will be 2 p.m., Thursday at Primrose Chapel, 1109 N. Porter in Norman. Visitation is 4 – 7 p.m., Wednesday. Helen was born January 7, 1934, in Dennison, Ohio to Carl E. and Thelma L. (Stout) Richard. She was a 1951 graduate of Dennison High School and married Alfred C. Dunlap in 1952. She had four daughters, “the girls,” and raised them in Ohio, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Helen was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a 5-year cancer survivor who embraced life every day. She volunteered at the Survivor Resource Center at Norman Regional Hospital. Helen never met a stranger touching many people with fabric, yarn, and thread. A member of the Washington United Methodist Church, she served as treasurer and co-sponsor of the youth “Sew ‘n Sew” group. She was also a member of the Norman Area Quilters Guild and Community Projects Committee that makes donation quilts for local children’s organizations. Recently she assumed the treasurer position for her guild. Helen is survived by her sister, Joanne Riffle of Seminole; brother, John French of Colorado; four daughters, Vicki Borycki (Dennis) of Norman, Jane Garrard (Doug) of Edmond, Barbara Williams (Mark) of Blanchard, June Sherrell (Rob) of Washington; ten grandchildren, Lori Gustin, Ginger Church, Christi Vaughn, James Garrard, Jeremy Williams, Jacob Williams, Cheyenne Williams, Josh Reese, Angel Sherrell, Nick Sherrell; 14 great grandchildren, AJ, Torri, Alex, Rafe, Audrie, Collier, Malakhi, Macin, Landon, Lance, Faith, Gracie, Bryan, Averie; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Alfred Clark Dunlap and very dear friend Robert Angel; siblings, Peggy, Jimmy, Lois, Dean, Mary Ellen, and her parents. Memorial donations may be made in her honor to: American Cancer Society (ACS), 6525 N Meridian Ave, Suite 110, OKC, OK 73116 for Survivor Resource Center @ Norman Regional Hospital or Norman Area Quilters Guild, PO Box 5221, Norman, OK 73070. Arrangements are entrusted to Primrose Funeral Service. Online condolences may be shared at: www.dignitymemorial.com/primrose

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  • Funeral Service Thursday, January 24, 2013
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REMEMBERING

Helen V Dunlap

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February 16, 2014

The Guestbook is such a great idea. Expressing thoughts on Helen "Punky" makes me think of how welcome she always made me feel. I bet she made everyone feel as special!

Tricia Lee

October 20, 2013

Ladies, I've been trying to locate June off and on for several years and am deeply saddened that we connect at a time of loss for both. Although it has been many years, I still think of your mother and her little grin pops into the back of my mind when someone doesn't go by the book of rules and social etiquette.. Helen will be sorely missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jane(Whitaker) Hadley

February 3, 2013

After Punky returned to Ohio, I enoyed the lunches the class of '51 had. I had the priviledge of working with Myrnie and her on the 50th class reunion. So I was shocked to learn she had passed away. My sympathy goes out to all her family.
I loved the majorette picture. What memories that invoked. I have a picture of Myrnie and her at that reunion. I will try to include it with this message. I hop it will be successful.

Pat Rieger

January 30, 2013

Dear Helen's girls,
Helen always spoke so kindly and proudly of each of you. I always felt like I knew you, long before I met any of you. I have been so honored and blessed to be able to call her friend. She was special to so many people in Tuscarawas County and she reached out to everyone. She made everyone feel important. I loved her stories. One of the hardest things I ever did was leave her in Oklahoma when we moved her there, but she was so excited and happy to be with ALL of you and I was glad she got to do it. We had a wonderful time when she came back for a visit a couple of years ago. I will always miss her. God bless all of you!

vicki borycki

January 26, 2013

Dear friends and family. As you know our mom always played by the rules: etiquette, fashion, beauty, business, sewing, quilting, cleaning, and cards. Her two guiding rules were: the serenity prayer and the golden rule.

Her rules were really lessons. She taught us to share our graham crackers, wash our face and use moisturizer, never wear white before Easter. DO NOT ride motorcycles or date boys who do. She taught us how to brush our teeth, pay bills, keep a home, and make friends. As Aunt Jo says: she never met a stranger. She taught us the value of learning. She budgeted to buy encyclopedias, music lessons, and dance lessons. She took us to museums and historical sites. She frequently told us stories of our family history. She taught us to be strong, independent, and accepting. It was important to her that we knew how to "walk in other people's shoes."

Most of all she taught us to leave things better than we found them... and she has done the same with all the people, places, and things she has touched. By example, she has encouraged us to be the best "perfect" we can be. And now she would say: "Enough. Let's play cards."

Mama, I pray the lord your soul to keep!
With all our love... vicki, jane, barb, and june

amanda laughlin

January 26, 2013

Helen I will miss your smile and happy out look on life.See you in heaven. Amanda Laughlin

January 25, 2013

My sympathy goes out to you in the loss of your mother and, my life long friend. Sincerely, Marilyn (Mrynie Bache) Monaco of Dover, OH.

RHONDA PULLEY

January 25, 2013

vicki,jane barb and june so sorry for the loss of your mother i took care of bob and helen i just loved your mother she tought me alot of things i drove all the way to oklahoma with her when she moved lost contact but thought of her everyday when i first started taking care of bob the first interview question was CAN YOU COOK and the she said can you make a swiss steak meal and i said yes she said walk me thru it so i told her how i make the meal and she say's to me your hired lol she was a blessing to know and her home made cranberry salad was the best she will be missed R.I.P helen and may god be with you all and your family

Marty Kaufman

January 24, 2013

Jane and family
So sorry about the loss of your Mom,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Susan & Charlie Smith

January 24, 2013

Barbara & family... We are so sorry to hear of your loss. As we read the obituary it was wonderful to see how much your mom meant to her family and community. We know she will be missed so much. We will keep you all in our prayers.

IN THE CARE OF

Primrose Funeral Service
Norman, OK
405-321-6000