Virginia Frances Hellwege

Virginia Frances (Fite) Hellwege, 92, beloved longtime resident of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at Great Plains Medical Center in Elk City.
Virginia was born on August 1, 1933, at home on the family farm a mile south of Brinkman, Oklahoma, to Leo Francis Fite and Iva Maude Ella Hood Fite. Her childhood was filled with love and adventure, especially after the arrival of her twin brothers, Ernest Leo and Thomas Theo, just before her fifth birthday. Virginia cherished her role as a big sister and second mom, a responsibility she embraced throughout her life.
She grew up in Brinkman and attended Brinkman High School, where she excelled as a basketball player on the Lady Bulldog team. After graduating in 1951 with her ten classmates, Virginia continued her education at Oklahoma A&M, earning a degree in Vocational Home Economics in 1955 and later a master's degree.
Virginia began her career in Cordell, Oklahoma, with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service as a Home Demonstration Service Agent. After three years, she moved to Stillwater to serve as Assistant State 4-H Leader. It was in Stillwater that she met the love of her life, Don Hellwege. They married on December 14, 1963, at the First United Methodist Church in Mangum and made their home in Kingfisher.
Virginia's passion for community involvement was evident in her service on the board of the Federated Church, the Kingfisher School Board, the Kingfisher Study Club, the county election board, and Chapter Y P.E.O. where she served seven years on the State P.E.O. Board, culminating as state president in 2007-2008. Virginia also contributed as secretary for the Brinkman Community Reunion, helped publish the Brinkman Community Book, and served on the committee for the Brinkman Community Historical Monument.
Known for her adventurous spirit and genuine love for people, Virginia traveled extensively across Oklahoma with P.E.O. and alongside Don during his years with Rotary. She was a gifted conversationalist, able to make everyone feel seen and valued. Virginia shared a special bond with her daughter through their love of showing horses, and she was legendary for her skill at backing a horse trailer into even the tightest spots.
Virginia and Don's love for travel led them to found and operate International Tours in El Reno, Oklahoma, for more than thirty years, visiting destinations from Australia to Japan.
Faith was the anchor of Virginia's life. Raised in the Brinkman First United Methodist Church, she later became a devoted member of the Federated Church in Kingfisher, remaining active for many years.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Leo Fite; and her sisters-in-law, Patricia Fite and Maryanne Fite; husband, Don Hellwege.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Donna (Tom Goodreid) of Littleton, Colorado; her grandson, William Donald Goodreid of Salt Lake City, Utah; her granddaughter, Jessie Ling-Ling Goodreid of Chicago Illinois; her brother, Theo Fite of Willow, Oklahoma; nephews Thomas Fite of Willow, Oklahoma, Kurt Fite of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Kris Fite (Kelly) of Guthrie, Oklahoma; as well as many other cherished family members and friends.
Virginia's family will receive friends at Greer Funeral Home on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the First Methodist Church of Willow, with interment to follow at Brinkman Cemetery.
Virginia was devoted to the Brinkman Cemetery and the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation so memorial contributions may be made to:
Brinkman Cemetery Association
c/o Theo Fite
111 N. Lewis St
Willow, OK 73673
Oklahoma 4-H Foundation
Attn: Milford Jenkins
Agricultural Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
Online contributions: oklahoma4hfoundation.com/donate
Virginia will be remembered for her warmth, adventurous spirit, and unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and community.