Helen Cooper Insko

Helen Cooper Insko, age 78, of Tollesboro, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on January 12, 1947, in Maysville, Kentucky, Helen was a cherished daughter of the late Taft and Louise Cooper Rickett. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her four brothers, Jerry Cooper, Larry Cooper, Jimmy Cooper, and Ricky Cooper, and one sister, Marietta Sweet.
Helen dedicated many years of her professional life to Landstar Trucking, where she retired, a career she thoroughly enjoyed alongside her husband, Royce. Together, they happily considered themselves "paid tourists," enjoying the beauty of traveling the country together.
Beyond her career, Helen's life was defined by her deep commitment to family and her many vibrant interests. She was an avid cook and canner. She loved immersing herself in a good book, tending to her garden, and giving back to her community by teaching at the YMCA. Helen also shared a wonderful passion with her husband, line dancing, which kept their spirits high and their feet moving. Above all, she treasured spending time with her loved ones and was a proud, devoted 'nana' to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Helen is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Royce Insko, whose loving partnership was the cornerstone of her life. She is also survived by her two loving daughters, Tara Russell and her husband Chris Russell of Lexington, Kentucky, and Tiki Insko of Tollesboro, Kentucky.
Her legacy of love continues through her seven grandchildren: Kaitlyn Purdon Engle (husband Field Engle), Kyle Purdon, Magin Reynolds (husband Shawn Reynolds), Rylee Williams, Ryan Williams, Kennedy Russell, and Kristen Russell, as well as her three precious great-grandchildren: Daniele Reynolds, Cole Reynolds, and Owen Reynolds.
Helen is also survived by one brother, Jake Cooper (wife Janie Cooper) of Sardis, Kentucky; three sisters, Peggy Frame, Sue Cooper both of Maysville, Kentucky, and Dorothy Cooper of Sardis, Kentucky; her sister-in-law Gina Insko of Tollesboro, Kentucky; her best friend, Mary Lou Hazelbaker of Hillsboro, Kentucky, along with many other family members and friends who will deeply miss her warmth and laughter.
Service Information:
A Celebration of Helen's Life will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Tollesboro Funeral Home, located at 11919 KY 57, Tollesboro, Kentucky.
Visitation will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Helen's Celebration of Life service immediately following. Sister Sharon will preside over the service.
The Tollesboro Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Helen Cooper Insko.