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Brenda (Helm) Rich, 62, passed away on April 16, 2026. She was born on July 5, 1963, to John Marion Helm and Rosa Naoma Langwell, and spent most of her life in and around Chandler, Oklahoma, where she built lasting relationships and memories.
Brenda attended Springdale Elementary School before transferring to Chandler Public Schools. Strong-willed and determined, she later returned to school and earned an Accounting Degree from Seminole State University in 1997. She worked for a time at National American Insurance Company in Chandler, and later as a store clerk in Chandler and Davenport, where she enjoyed visiting with customers and forming connections with everyone who came through the door.
At the age of 18, Brenda became a mother to her son, Robert “Jaybob” Hanmer, and much of her time was joyfully spent chasing him around the ballfields. She later welcomed a stepson, Chance Rich, and stepdaughter, Jerrica Rich, becoming even more devoted to cheering on her family from the sidelines.
Brenda herself loved sports and competition, enjoying softball, volleyball, and tennis. She cherished the outdoors—camping and floating the river with family and friends—but her favorite pastime was driving the backroads, listening to music, and spending time with her brothers and sisters. This tradition became affectionately known as “rooster cruising.” She also enjoyed playing shuffleboard, shooting pool, and singing karaoke.
Strong-willed and outspoken, Brenda was well known for her spirited debates with her siblings. She earned the nickname “banty rooster,” a title she wore proudly—rarely losing an argument and never backing down from a fight she believed in.
Brenda lived her life her way, loving her family and friends, staying true to herself, just as God created her to be. She will be remembered for her fierce loyalty, quick wit, unapologetic spirit, and her deep love for family. Her memory will live on through the stories, laughter, and lives of those who knew and loved her.
Brenda is survived by her Brother David Helm and wife Kathy, of Bristow; sister-in-law Janice Helm, of Tulsa; sister Carol Maier and husband Farrel, of Edmond; brother Ben Helm and wife Sharon, of Drumright; sister Marie Boggs and husband Boyd, of Sparks; sister Pam Pratt, of Chandler; son Robert Hanmer and wife Heather, of Shawnee; stepdaughter Jerrica Rich, of Chandler; stepson, Chance Rich and wife Freddy, of Chandler; and 11 grandchildren Hailey, Eli, Jax, Grayson, Bodhi, Gage, Hunter, Justin, Avari, Zylon, and Enzley; along with other family and friends.
Brenda is preceded in death by her mother, Rosa Naoma Helm; father, John Marion Helm; brother, Bill Austin and wife Trudy; brother, Gary Austin and wife Mary; brother, Wendell Helm; brother, Bob Helm; brother, Ricky Helm; and brother, Jimmy Helm.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.
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