Barbara Ann Helnore of Ponca City, Oklahoma, died Thursday morning, May 23, 2013, in the Shawn Manor Nursing Home at the age of 70 years.

Barbara Ann Helnore was born on April 10, 1943, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Joshua Robert "J.R." and Ellen Elaine (Foster) Rhea. She grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools and graduated in 1961. Following her education she served her family as a homemaker and worked at various jobs in Blackwell. In 1979 she began her nursing degree program at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa and in 1981 received her registered nurse certification through the St. Joseph's Medical Center in Ponca City. She married William Gail Helnore on January 7, 1983, in Ponca City and she worked as a registered nurse for the hospital for twenty-six years. She then began working as a registered nurse for the Shawn Manor Nursing Home and worked there until ill health forced her retirement. She enjoyed reading, facebook and caring for her family.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Helnore of Ponca City; a daughter, Teri Phillips of Altus, Oklahoma; a son, Michael Phillips of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert Rhea; and three sisters, Ella Rhea and twin infant sisters.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 29th in the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Matt Smith of Immanuel Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in her honor with Cystic Fibrosis in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.