Mary Helen Strong

Mary Helen Strong, lovingly known as "Sis," passed away on March 6, 2026, in Sperry, Oklahoma, at the age of 76 years. She was born on August 2, 1949, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Sherman Hix and Ruth Agnes (Bailey) Hix.

Mary Helen spent her younger years attending schools in Sand Springs and Teresita, Oklahoma. She later graduated from Oaks High School with the Class of 1967. Continuing her education, she attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in 1971. She later went on to obtain her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, preparing her for the career that would become her life's calling.

On December 27, 1974, in Leach, Oklahoma, Mary Helen was united in marriage to Franklin D. Strong. The couple shared over forty years of marriage together, making their home in Rocky Ford throughout their life together until Frank's passing on October 13, 2015.

Mary Helen devoted her life to education, serving as a teacher for 37 years. She spent the majority of her teaching career at Leach Elementary School, where she influenced and encouraged generations of students before retiring on May 19, 2009. Throughout her years in education, she wore many hats and was actively involved in numerous programs and activities. She served as a 4-H Club leader at Leach, worked with the JOM program, she handled all designs and ordering for the school yearbook every year, and directed various federal educational programs. Her dedication and commitment to her students and colleagues made a lasting impact on the community.

Outside of her career, Mary Helen found great joy in gardening, especially growing flowers and vegetables. Flowers were among her favorites, and she took pride in caring for them. She cherished time spent with her family and looked forward each evening to a nightly phone call from her beloved son, Scott. Sunday dinners were a treasured tradition in her home, where she prepared large meals for her son and daughter-in-law, always making sure there were plenty of leftovers for Scott to enjoy in the days that followed.

Mary Helen was well known for her talents in the kitchen. Her homemade noodles and potato salad were favorites among family and friends, and she had a special gift for baking delicious desserts. She made special cakes for many occasions over the years and was known for making sure everyone at family gatherings had their favorite sweet treat. Her brother, Jim, often teased that her famous potato salad came from Walmart, a joke she took with good humor.

She also had a soft spot for her grand dog, Humperdink, whom she spoiled with gourmet ham whenever he came to visit. Mary Helen enjoyed attending the sporting events of her nieces and nephews over the years and was affectionately known as "Memaw" to many who loved her.

Mary Helen was a loving, caring, and extremely hardworking woman. She carried herself with class and professionalism, yet remained a very private and independent person. She was known for always putting others before herself and for worrying more about the well-being of those she loved than about her own needs. Her devotion to her husband was evident in the care she provided for him in his later years, even once "kidnapping" him from a rehabilitation facility to bring him home sooner than expected. Among her simple pleasures was an occasional stop at Taco Bell for her favorite indulgence, a Nacho Bell Grande. Mary Helen will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Mary Helen is survived by: 1 son: Scott Strong and wife Ahnnie of Coweta, Oklahoma; Her spoiled Grand-dog: Humperdink; 1 brother: Jim Hix and wife Judy of Teresita, Oklahoma; Her Special nephew: Josh Hix and wife Tasha of Teresita, Oklahoma; and Her Special niece: Tracie Hix of Rose, Oklahoma; Numerous other relatives, a community of past students and work colleagues, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband: Franklin D. Strong; 2 brothers: Bob Hix and Gayle Hix; and 2 sisters-in-law: Sandy Hix and Eva Hix.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M., Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Leach School Gymnasium in Leach, Oklahoma, with Brother Clayton Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Elm Cemetery in Leach, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com