Rachael Nadine Helton of Allen, Texas passed away May 27, 2023 at the age of 92. She was a faithful Christian, caring wife, and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. “Gigi” dearly loved her four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She liked nothing better than to be surrounded by family on holidays or anytime they could gather.
Rachael was born to Orville and Louise Byfield on October 10, 1930 at home on the farm near Orienta, Oklahoma. She was the oldest of four siblings and spent her time on the tractor and combine helping to farm wheat. She survived the Dust Bowl, the Depression, and saw the many changes brought about by World War ll. As a teenager, Rachael played the piano and traveled to play for revival services. She graduated from Cheyenne Valley High School and went on to earn a degree from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma and later a Masters Degree from North Texas State University.
Rachael taught school for 30 years covering almost every grade. She met Ramon, her husband of 68 years, while teaching in Douglas, Oklahoma. After moving to Texas, she taught at Lovejoy Elementary for 20+ years and was a long-standing member of First Baptist Church Allen. She had many hobbies which included painting, crafts, and quilting. She always enjoyed nature and animals and she spent many years camping, raising dogs, and watching wildlife.
Rachael is survived by her husband, Ramon; son, Curtis Helton and wife Tracey; and daughter, Sheila Waggoner and husband, George (Conroe).
Her grandchildren include LeAnn White and husband Brandon (Allen), Jeremy Helton (Dallas), Randall Waggoner (Conroe), and Rachael McMillen and husband Kyle (Rwanda, Africa).
Her eight great-grandchildren include Amy, Levi, Miranda, and Travis White, Kayden, Hudson, Berkeley Waggoner, and Jason Helton.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. A graveside service will be held at Douglas Cemetery in Douglas, Oklahoma.