IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Geneva Ruth

Geneva Ruth Helgerson Profile Photo

Helgerson

Nov 26, 1930 — Apr 26, 2018

Obituary

Geneva Ruth Pickett Helgerson was an unexpected surprise born at her rural home in Cyril, OK on November 26, 1930 to Joe Pickett, a farmer, and his wife, Mabel Irene Cyrus Pickett. Twin sister Juanita Ann Pickett Philips was born minutes earlier with thick black hair. While most attention was being focused on the new baby, the neighbor assisting in the home birth and attending to Mabel exclaimed with astonishment "theres another baby in there!" No one knew Mabel was pregnant with twins, including Mabel, unconscious during delivery because of blood poisoning. Upon coming to, Joe informed Mabel he had already named the twins the baby with black hair, Geneva Ruth; and the brown-haired infant, Juanita Ann. Upon seeing her babies, Mabel contended that the black-haired baby should instead be called "Juanita" because of its Spanish influence. Thus, their names were switched which ultimately suited each child perfectly! Inseparable and with a lifetime bond common among twins, two distinct personalities emerged. While Juanita led the way, Geneva happily followed. Diagnosed with an enlarged heart as a pre-teen, Geneva was ordered home on bed rest for one year. While her parents were working in the fields, Geneva would get out of bed to play dress-up in Mabels clothes. Mabel easily detected this activity from the altered state of her closet and shoes in disarray. When she was allowed to return to school, she was a year behind Juanita which led her to form new friendships and participate in events independent of and including her twin. Geneva was a child of the depression required to help with numerous chores on the farm. This was undoubtedly the commencement of the tireless work effort she sustained throughout her entire life. She learned to be frugal, resourceful and appreciative of any niceties that came her way. She was a good student and enjoyed playing basketball in high school. Upon graduation, she went to work as a telephone operator at Southwestern Bell where she met one of her lifetime friends, Mary Cochnauer. She was employed there until she had her first child, then became a stay-at-home Mom. While common at that time, her children now view that role as a gift to them, a luxury not easily affordable or achievable today. Geneva met the love of her life, Bobby Joes Helgerson, who pursued her determinedly. It was an almost-perfect, harmonious, respectful and loving marriage that produced three children: Veronica Renee, Jennifer Lynn and Bennett Todd whom she loved unconditionally. Whenever we succeeded, it was a source of pride for her. If we failed or had heartache, she was always there to comfort us. She became a widow at 50 but strongly carried on. Geneva loved being domestic, taking care of her home and sharing it with others. She cooked each meal with love and would sneak in a jalapeno pepper anytime she could. We jokingly referred to her as the Casserole Queen! She called us to dinner with her trademark "Woo-Hoo" which could be heard down the street if we were outside playing. Entertaining was one of her well-known talents and she was the ultimate hostess. Friends and family were always treated to a delicious and elegantly-presented meal. If she could incorporate a game afterwards, then it was a perfect event! In addition to making her own home gleam, she was a marvel at making others sparkle as well. Geneva worked for several prominent Oklahomans: physicians, attorneys, television personality Kerry Robertson, and even jeweler B.C. Clark. He knew a diamond when he saw one! Genevas legacy also includes nine cherished grandchildren, Skip, Chris, Preston & Parker Butler; Raegan Butler Kondrich, Austin Helgerson; Addison, Tanner & Ty Porch. Surviving twin, Juanita, her niece, Jill, and cousin, Gene are also included in the family circle as well as her childrens spouses, Charles Butler, Tim Porch and Lisa Helgerson. Geneva loved the Lord and was a faithful Christian. She was born on the 26th day of the month and passed on the 26th, a beautiful spring day. She joins her beloved husband, Bob; parents, Joe and Mabel; and brother, Gerald, who most certainly are happy to be reunited with her again. An angel to so many, may she rest in peace. Graveside Service Pleasant Valley Cemetery Monday, April 30, 2018 10:30 AM SW 59th & Council Wheatland, OK 73097
To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Visits: 0

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors