Helen Vance passed on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at the age of 97 years after a long life of service to community organizations in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. She donated her physical remains to Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, OK.
Helen was born Dec. 30, 1925, in Kiefer, OK, the sixth of six children to Cora Eola Boswell Bray and Alva Madison Bray. She graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1943 and continued her education with secretarial school. She was employed with Bartlett-Collins Glass Company, Sapulpa Public School Administration, and ended her secretarial career with the First United Methodist Church in Sapulpa. She was widowed in 2001 by Robert Vance of Sapulpa. Both Helen and Robert were very active with the Boy Scouts of America for most of their lives. Helen began as a den mother and ended her scouting service as the Indian Nations Council Eagle Scout Board of Review Director. She was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest service award from the national Boy Scout organization. Helen was also active with local service groups such as the Sapulpa Professional Businesswomen’s Organization. She volunteered as a host for the Sapulpa Historical Society Museum and also volunteered time for Ascension St. John Sapulpa Hospital. She enjoyed the Tulsa Ballet, music, and reading fiction. Helen was a lifelong, active member of the Methodist Church in Sapulpa.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Gerri Boaz of Sapulpa, OK, her son, Steve Vance and daughter-in-law, Tiffany Vance of Platteville WI, her granddaughter Kim Bodine and Bill Manna of Owasso, OK. Helen is also survived by her great-grandchildren Donovan Bodine, Vanessa Bodine, Cameron Bodine, Lexi Manna, Mason Manna, and great, great-grandchildren Kenzi and Kylan.
A memorial service for Helen will be held on Friday, May 12 at 11am in the First United Methodist Church of Sapulpa with a reception following the service. Flowers may be sent to the First United Methodist Church.
