Helen June (Stiles) Thompson, beloved wife, sister, mother, nannie and aunt entered into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on June 12, 2026, at the age of 88 yrs. 8 months and 19 days. Helen was born on September 24, 1937, in Ada, Oklahoma to Otis Stiles and Mary (Green) Stiles. She lived a life centered on faith, family, and love, touching the lives of all who knew her with her kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion.
She graduated from Ada High School in May 1955 and married her high school sweetheart, Waymon Thompson on June 2, 1956. Together they built a beautiful life. Just days before her passing, Helen and Waymon were surrounded by nearly all their family as they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 1, 2026. Helen had looked forward to that special day for months and often said “We just have to make it to June 2nd”. What a precious gift it was for her to celebrate the milestone with the people she loved.
Helen faithfully served as a 4-year-old Sunday School teacher for 20 years at First Baptist of Ada, where she touched the lives of countless children teaching them of Jesus. She also worked at Dicus Grocery, First Baptist Church Mother’s Day Out, and Kmart. Wherever she went she was known for her sweet personality, gentle spirit, and beautiful smile. Helen was a devoted mother to Barbara Rhynes and Darrell Thompson and loving mother-in-law to Keith Rhynes and Doree Thompson. She was a cherished sister to Don and Shirley Stiles. Of all the roles she played in her life, her favorite and the one she was best at was “Nannie”. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life: Dr. Jason Rhynes, David Rhynes, Dallas Rhynes, Dannon Thompson, Deede Sparks, and Dalton Thompson. There truly was no better place than Nannie and Papa’s house. It was a home filled with loved, laughter, treats, and unconditional love.
As her grandchildren married, Helen opened her heart completely to their spouses, loving Heather Rhynes, Katherine Rhynes, Tamyra Rhynes, Cody Sparks, and Jordyn Thompson as her very own family. She was also blessed to become Nannie to a growing generation of great-grandchildren: Madi (Rhynes) Tubbs and husband Layton, Kohl Rhynes and wife Haylee, Stella Rhynes, Blake Rhynes, Collin Rhynes, Julia Rhynes, Lela Sparks, Robert Sparks, Beau Thompson, Richie Sparks, with one precious baby boy on the way. If asked, her grandchildren would likely agree on one thing, she was the best Nannie in the world. Helen was also a treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews who would tell you she had a very special place in their hearts.
For the past 3yrs and 5 months, Helen and Waymon have made their home at Featherstone in Durant, OK. They loved the staff there dearly, and that love was returned many times over. Helen knew all about the staff members’ families, loved their children and all of them knew where Helen’s cabinet of treats could be found and she made sure it was always stocked for them, just as it was for her great-grandchildren. She loved rocking Amber’s grandbaby and was told she was the only one that could get her asleep. She took that job seriously.
The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Centric Home Health and Hospice. Their caregivers went far beyond meeting Helen’s medical needs and became a treasured part of her life and our family’s as well.
Helen leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and love. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of her Savior. Though she will be greatly missed the love she poured into the lives of others will continue for generations.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday June 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Durant First Baptist Student Worship Center located at the corner of First and Beech Streets. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate the life of Helen June (Stiles) Thompson.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.
