Helene Frances Bacher

Helene Frances Bacher went to her heavenly home Sunday, May 25, 2025 following 99 years of love, laughter and happiness.

Love began August 15, 1925 when Helene was born to Anna Mae (Foster) and Mike Gorman Roland in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The sixth of what would be thirteen children, her father wanted to name her Mike. The doctor tending to Anna and the baby disagreed and Mike decided the doctor should name the baby. She was named Helene Frances after the doctor’s nurse. At ten pounds, Mike nicknamed her “chubby duck”, which eventually became “duck” as many of the family members know well. All of the Roland clan are jokers, so laughter was not something she could avoid. They often teased and played jokes on one another and she always had a ready smile.

Helene grew up in the Uncas, Oklahoma area and graduated from Ponca City High School. She married the love of her life, Gordon Lee Bacher, in 1944. They had two sons, Ronald (1945) and Dale (1949), whom they raised in Ponca City. Helene loved being a mother, homemaker, and eventually a grandmother. She enjoyed many hobbies including china painting, ceramics, woodworking, and anything musical. She enjoyed wrapping gifts during the Christmas season at the Stage store in Ponca.

Most know Helene as a vocalist. She sang in political rallies, church choirs, weddings, funerals, anniversary parties, trios, quartets and she was a Charter Member of the Sweet Adelines. She loved music and also played piano. One of the things she missed most after her eyesight failed was reading music and participating in musical events. Helene also enjoyed spending time with many great friends who contributed to her happiness: Phyllis Lucas and Dudley Barnwell, Charlene, Viany, Michelle,and many more.

Helene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gordon (2006), son Ronald (2006), and all thirteen of her siblings.

Her memory will be carried in the hearts of her surviving family including her son Dale and wife Paula of Tulsa, OK; grandson David and wife Brenda of Claremore, OK; granddaughter Leslie and husband Mike Stewart of Ponca City; grandson Stephen and wife Leisa of Tulsa, OK; great grandchildren Jacqueline Gordon, Kaeley Bacher, Pacen Seney, Damean Bacher, Heather Bogner, Aaron Stewart, Jake Zemp, Treavor Zemp, eight great-great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.