Bunyan

Helen Louise Bunyan, 75, passed away in Oklahoma City on April 22, 2026, after an 11-year battle with cancer.

Helen was born July 5, 1950, in Liberal, Kansas, to Lester Fred Bunyan and Opal Pearl (Shedd) Bunyan.

She was raised in Hugoton, Kansas, where she lived most of her life. Helen graduated from Hugoton High School in 1968 and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.

A dedicated educator and strong believer in the power of learning, Helen devoted 42 years to teaching elementary education in Kansas. She began her career at Satanta Schools and later taught in Hugoton, retiring in 2015.

Though she was diagnosed with cancer shortly after her retirement, Helen never lost her zest for life or her sense of adventure. She loved traveling to new places, enjoying good food, and spending time with family and friends. She was a loyal supporter of University of Oklahoma athletics, proudly cheering on her adopted Sooners, and was an enthusiastic fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Helen also had a fondness for a cold Dr. Pepper and never passed up a visit to Sonic.

Helen had a keen eye for gardening and a true green thumb, taking great joy in planting flowers and making her home—and the homes of others—more beautiful. She delighted in decorating for holidays and special occasions and generously shared her talents with those around her.