Helen Nadine Gifford, a longtime resident of Paden, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, in Seminole, Oklahoma, at the age of 84.

Helen was born on September 30, 1941, in Okemah, Oklahoma, to James Harvey and Opal Helen (Perkins) Combs. At a young age, she moved with her family to Arcadia, Oklahoma, where she was raised and attended school. She graduated from Arcadia High School with the Class of 1961.

On her 20th birthday, September 30, 1961, Helen married the love of her life, Bill Ray Gifford. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion to family. They began their married life in Edmond before moving to Paden, Oklahoma, in 1970, where they purchased land and established their small farm. Bill and Helen were married 62 years before he passed in 2024.

Helen was a dedicated homemaker and farm wife who took great pride in caring for her family. She was known for her warm kitchen, where no one ever left hungry. Her pies and cakes were especially loved by those who knew her. She enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, and crocheting, always putting her talents to use for the benefit of others. Above all, Helen was a devoted wife, mother, and “Grandma,” and she was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Helen was a faithful and active member of the Prague Freewill Baptist Church, where she dedicated her time to the outreach ministry and served her church family with a giving heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bill Ray Gifford; her infant daughter, Teresa V. Gifford; and her brother, Larry Combs.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Michael Gifford; her daughter, Debra Every and her husband, Philip; three grandchildren, Sarah Every Helsel and her husband, Zane, Emily Noel Every, and Bryce Gifford; one great-granddaughter, Fiona Rae Helsel; her brother, Harvey Combs and his wife, Pat; two sisters, Vera Cooper and Brenda Ramsey and her husband, Nelson; her brother-in-law, Terry Gifford; and a host of extended family and dear friends.