Helen LaDuke

Heaven’s gates opened for Helen Burrow LaDuke, 97, on Friday, October 27, 2023 as she passed away from complications of congestive heart failure at The Sycamore at Park Central in Amarillo, Texas. In her last hours of life, family and caregivers were by her side: giving hugs, sharing loving words and singing some of her favorite songs.

Helen married Travis B. LaDuke at the First Baptist Church of Tulia on June 1, 1947. They were blessed to share 73 years together raising four children. Helen raised her children teaching basic scriptural concepts: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, “Love one Another”, “Be ye kind”. Her Christian model was her finest asset in all aspects of her life.

In addition to being a devoted and caring mother, Helen filled the role of a “Minister’s Wife” with compassion, faith and love. She was always there when the church doors opened: teaching Sunday School, Training Union, and Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, attending W.M.U. and sponsoring children and youth camps.

Upon graduation from high school, Helen enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University studying education. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from West Texas State University in 1964. Her career included teaching in several school districts in the Panhandle and in Oklahoma when the family lived in Jenks. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society and enjoyed teaching so much, that even after retirement, she continued to substitute teach for many years.

Helen’s most prized times were with her family. She especially looked forward to the annual “Burrow Reunion“. This would include a trip to Chicos to have the perfect thing to wear, making a chocolate sheet cake for snacks and rehearsing a song to sing for the “program.”

Survivors include: daughters, Sheila LaDuke, Sheryl Davis and husband, Pat of Amarillo. Daughter, Shirley Wagner and husband, Roll of Cleburne, Texas. Son, Shane LaDuke of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Eight grandchildren: Jeana Wood, Joni Krueger and husband, Dave. Jami Upshaw, Keith-Ann Wagner and husband, Chad, Kara Overby and husband, Jacob. Travis McNutt, Lucy and Ruthie LaDuke and their mother, Shannon. James Davis and wife, Jessica. Emily Green and husband, Clint. Fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Travis, her parents, six sisters, two brothers and her granddaughter, Keeton McNutt.

A special thanks to the staff of The Sycamore at Park Central where Helen lived the last 2 ½ years and to the BSA Hospice of the Southwest for the care they gave her the past six months.

Services will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 2:00 at First Baptist Church Chapel in Amarillo. Visitation is from 5-7 on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Home 5400 Bell Street, Amarillo, TX. 70109.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.griggsschoolergordon.com for the LaDuke family.