Connie L. Helfenbein, 67, of Stillwater, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the OSU Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed in the Carney Cemetery. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.
ConniewasborntoFred and Dolores Helfenbein on March 11, 1958, in Perryton, Texas. She attended Carney Public Schools and went on to Oklahoma State University and earnedabachelor’sdegree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in School Administration. After graduation, Connie became a beloved teacher and Principal at Carney Elementary School in Carney, Oklahoma. She attended Hillcrest Baptist Church,whereshelearned more about the Lord, loved her Sunday School class, and loved, too, the leadership there.
When Connie was younger and more able, she enjoyed fishing in ponds and small lakes and was willing to learn a few other sports. When she learned to play golf, one witness on the course commented that she could really drive the ball a long way. When she learned to play tennis, she would, at times, put a heavy, fast hit on the ball -- much to the surprise of her opponents. Connie enjoyed other things too, like making creative things with arts and crafts, being in the company of her dogs, and traveling to places in and out of the country (Germany, Austria, Poland, England, France, Czech Republic, and Switzerland, among others). She loved life and was up for doing it all. What defines her most, though, is the time and love she poured into her students and teachers. Connie is greatly loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Steven.
She is survived by nephewsGregHelfenbein and Steven Michael Helfenbein; great nieces and nephews Hailey, Alyssa, Anthony, and Cole Helfenbein, and their mother Jessica and father Greg. Surviving cousins include Judy Ellexson, Jackie Perry, Paul Helfenbein, the Huff families, and many others.
The family would like to thank all who have contributed pictures, visited her in the hospital, and those who sent flowers or did any other kindness on her behalf.
An online obituary may be viewed, and condolences left for the family, at www.strodefh.com