Helen J. Pitts

Helen Jospehine McCurdy-Pitts was born on May 20, 1934 to John and Fanny McCurdy of Okemah, OK in the old Banner school house. Helen is survived by her husband, Don Pitts of Jones, Oklahoma; four children, David Ritchie of Tenkiller, Oklahoma, Teresa Allen of Jones, Oklahoma, Terry Ritchie of Wellston, Oklahoma and Lisa Nolan of Midwest City, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; and a plethora of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Bob Ritchie; two daughters, Vivian and Christina; four brothers and five sisters. Helen was a bus driver for 30 plus years and drove for various school districts throughout her tenure. She enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and many outdoor activities. Helen was also a fashionista! She never missed the fashion section of the paper and she was determined to do it all in style. She loved to read and explain her knowledge, she absorbed everything she read. Helen’s first love was her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a faithful believer who served whenever the opportunity was available. She never hesitated to share the gospel with anyone who crossed her path. She taught Sunbeams, Sunday school and worked in many vacation bible schools throughout the years. She had a special place in her heart for children and it was her ministry to make sure that every one of them felt loved. Helen was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City in 1976 for her selfless contributions in helping Vietnamese refugees get established and familiar with their new home and culture. Second to God, the next biggest love in her life was her family. She loved unconditionally with all that she had. Helen never met a stranger and everyone was a friend and/or potential brother or sister in Christ. She was an amazing woman and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.