Helen Mae Kilburg passed from this life on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the age of 89. A long-time resident of Altus, Helen and her late husband, Jerry, made their home in SW Oklahoma sharing 65 years together.

Born to Albert and Florence (Becker) Thola on April 8, 1936, in Bellevue, Iowa, Helen spent her formative years in the area. She married Gerald “Jerry” Kilburg at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, Iowa, on January 18, 1958. Together they raised three children: Audrey, Christine, and Jeffrey. Helen was actively engaged in their activities as they grew and devoted 15 years of service as a 4-H leader. After raising their family, they embraced retirement in 2006 by moving to Southwest Oklahoma, where they made their home in Altus.

Helen was a faithful Catholic. An active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, her devotion and faith were evident throughout her life. She enjoyed camping adventures, birdwatching, and crafting—especially painting. She was also an avid gardener with a gift for growing beautiful flowers.

Her loving husband, Jerry; parents, Albert and Florence; sister, Donna Unsen; and brothers, Melvin Thola, Raymond Thola, and Eldred Thola and wife, Janie, all preceded her in death.

Helen’s loving spirit will live on in her children, Audrey Brzycki and husband, Gilbert (So. Milwaukee, WI), Christine Stych (Coalinga, CA), and Jeffrey Kilburg and wife, Marcella (Altus); grandchildren, Dustin Brzycki and wife, Cheri (Cudahy, WI), Jessica Herson and husband, Mike (Cudahy, WI), James Stych (Coalinga, CA), Samantha Sytch and fiancé, Brock Dallman (Yakima, WA), Heather Chapman and husband, Kevin (Blair), and Mindy Nunn and husband, Wayne (Comanche); great-grandchildren, Skylar, Kelsie, Kaleb, Kassidy, Karissa, and Vincent; a great great-granddaughter, Lavada Lynn; brother, John Thola (Charlotte, IA); nieces and nephews, Eugene, Brad, Lori, Lois, Connie, Wayne, Bob, Charles, and Sue; and many other family members and friends.

She worked with her niece Jan at Thermolyn until her retirement.

The family will greet friends for a Rosary at 6:00 PM  on Wednesday, September 17, at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church. A Catholic Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 18^th with Rev. Father Joseph David and Deacon Eulis Mobley officiating.

Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.