Bettie Jean

(Helm) Kimbrell

Bettie Jean (Helm) Kimbrell was born on January 20, 1935, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to James Lewis Helm and Inez (Tate) Helm. She peacefully passed from this life on July 13, 2026, in Pauls Valley at the age of 91.
Bettie was raised on the family farm, where she developed a lifelong love of horses, riding, and caring for animals. She attended school in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. In November 1952, she married the love of her life, Royce Kimbrell, in Pauls Valley, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.
Bettie dedicated nearly three decades of service to the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center in Pauls Valley. She began her career as a Direct Care Assistant and, through her dedication and compassion, advanced to the position of supervisor before retiring in the late 1980s.
A true farm wife, Bettie found great joy in gardening, canning, and growing beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables. She raised many different kinds of fowl and worked alongside Royce with their cattle, even helping bottle-feed calves when needed. She was also talented with a needle and thread, sewing clothing for her children as they were growing up.
Bettie was an exceptional cook whose kitchen was the heart of her home. She was especially known for baking the best pies, and her Thanksgiving dinners became cherished family traditions. She always prepared more than enough food so everyone could enjoy leftovers for days, making sure no one ever left her table hungry.
Above all else, Bettie treasured her family. Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, and the time they spent together. She was a woman of remarkable strength, determination, and perseverance. Her favorite saying, "You gotta keep going," perfectly reflected the way she lived her life. No matter the challenges she faced, Bettie never gave up and inspired those around her to do the same.
Bettie is survived by her Son, Royce Edward "Eddie" Kimbrell and Marilyn of Wynnewood, Oklahoma; Daughters, Janet Andersen of Moore, Oklahoma, and Debbie Quinn and Joel of Pond Creek, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and a host of other friends and family.
Bettie was preceded in death by her husband, Royce Kimbrell; Parents, James and Inez Helm; and Sisters, Jenny Waller and Nettie Thun.
Graveside services for Bettie will be on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Wynnewood, Oklahoma with Gary Underwood officiating. Visitation for Bettie will be on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Wooster Funeral Home in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. If you would like to send your condolences to the family you may do so at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com