Helen Birdene McNew Troy

Helen Birdene McNew Troy, 87, of Bentonville, AR, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 in Springdale after a short illness.

Helen was born on January 30, 1931 in Coolidge, Arizona, a daughter of Arthur McNew and Lula Estell Ross McNew.  Helen was baptized at a very young age and enjoyed a full Christian life. She was a member of the Church of Christ, taught Sunday School, volunteered teaching a semester at a children’s home in New Mexico and spent a summer doing Mission work overseas. Helen held a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Colorado at Greeley. She taught school for approximately forty years, two years in Deerfield, Kansas and the rest in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After retiring from teaching, Helen worked for the Civil Service for approximately 18 years. She was a published author, a painter and played the guitar.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews including, LeEtta Smith of Siloam Springs, Pat McNew of Livermore, CO, Kay Willard of Wray, CO, Carron Laughery of Vinton, OH, Carolyn Burris of Vinton, OH, James O’Leary of Athens, TX, Kathy Carter of Edmond, OK, Mike O’Leary of Tulsa, OK and Colletta McNew of Tulsa, OK; numerous great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 1:00pm at the Crosstown Church of Christ, located at 3400 E. Admiral Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Pastor Robert Prater will officiate the service. Burial will be conducted at the Range Cemetery in Hardesty, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home. To sign online guestbook please go to www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.