Helen Louise Martin, 80, of Coalgate, passed away Thursday, May 16, at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa.  A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, May 20, at 10:00 a.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home chapel in McAlester.

Helen Louise Martin was born on Oct. 4, 1943 in Indianola to Dallas and Flora (Long) Hance.  She grew up in the Indianola and Scipio area and graduated from Indianola High School.  She married David Matin and they soon made their home in Stuart.  Helen worked for many years at the Stuart School as a cook and custodian.  In her spare-time, she enjoyed spending time with family and playing cards.

Helen is survived by her children, Kim Hedgecock and Shawn, Pam Martin, and Lori Johnson and Daniel; grandchildren, Brittany Redden and Hunter, Austin Ward and Leah O'Dell, Rebecca Rivers and Larry, Alex Johnson, Adam Johnson, and Avery Johnson; great grandchildren include Autumn and Timber Redden, Wren and Finley Ward, and Adeline Rivers; a son-in-law, Jerry Hardwick; and 2 brothers, Ronnie Hance and Veryl Hance and wife Charlene.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Malinda, 2 sisters, Syble Baker and Alta Russell and her husband Geryl, and a brother, Beryl Hance.