Helen Ruth Calkins

Helen R. Calkins, 90, formerly of Altus, died Sunday morning at the McMahon Tomlinson Nursing Home in Lawton, Oklahoma. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home.
She was born Helen Ruth Lackey December 18, 1926 in Headrick, Oklahoma to Francis and Dovey (Boatman) Lackey. Helen graduated with the class of 1943 at Headrick High School, Headrick, Oklahoma. She continued her education at St. Anthony's School of Nursing in Oklahoma City and became a Registered Nurse. Helen married Lawrence Calkins November 7, 1947 in Headrick, Oklahoma and to this union one son, Larry, and one daughter, Janis were born. She worked as a Registered Nurse for Dr. Mabry, Dr. Tefertiller, Jackson County Memorial Hospital and was Director of Nursing at English Village Manor for several years. Helen followed her "calling" into the nursing field because she cared for others, especially the sick, as she put the needs of others' ahead of her own. In 1988 she was nominated for induction in the National Reference Directory of the Library for Who's Who in American Nursing and was selected for her professional and educational accomplishments and her leadership in the nursing community. Helen was a member of the Headrick Church of Christ for several years and later, the Elm and Hudson Church of Christ in Altus. She enjoyed crafts, puzzles, and sports of all kinds. Helen especially enjoyed the sports her children and grandchildren were involved in, and attended every event she could as their biggest "cheerleader". While in Lawton, she would eagerly await the OKC Thunder games and would always be seen wearing her Thunder shirt, cheering them on to victory. Helen's love for caring for others continued even as she was a nursing home resident - eager to give advice to the nursing staff when needed.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence; son, Larry Calkins; daughter-in law, Terrie and son-in-law, Matt Anderson. She is survived by her daughter, Janis Anderson; two granddaughters, Emelie Atchley and husband, Nathan; and Noel Anderson; grandson, T J Calkins and wife, Liz; four great grandchildren, Kanin and Kruze Atchley; Shelby and Skyler Calkins; and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Helen Calkin's memory. Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com