Helen Frances Hand

Helen Frances Hand

February 5, 1926 - April 18, 2024

Helen Frances Hand entered into the presence of Jesus on April 18, 2024. Helen was born on February 5, 1926. She passed away at her home north of Prague, Oklahoma, where she resided for 75 years. Helen was 98 years old.

Helen was raised in a German speaking home and learned to speak English at Centerpoint School. After her eighth-grade year, she began working fulltime on her family’s farm. She married Earl Hand in 1949 and moved a half of a mile from her parents’ home to her residence in Prague.

Helen has a very devoted and deep relationship with Jesus and was a member of Arlington United Methodist Church.

Helen Hand was known by many as a hard worker, an amazing pie maker and loving friend. She was first and foremost a homemaker who provided for her family with a large garden. Prior to the death of her husband, Earl Hand in 1972, she began cleaning homes to provide income for the family. From there she went on to work at the Dairy Mart in Prague, followed by cooking at “The 99er” restaurant, also in Prague. In 1994 she joined Bobby and Sheri Ripley’s Family when they opened “The Fillin’ Station” restaurant in Prague. Her co-workers there became like family to her. While working at The Fillin’ Station she received statewide attention for her pie making, which one Thanksgiving Holiday included 274 pies. On one leave of absence due to a knee replacement, she wrote down the recipes to her pies. When handing them to her then boss, Eric Capron, she made sure he understood that he was to return those recipes to her when she returned to work. She worked there until she was no longer physically able at 84 years of age.

Her family knew her as all of those things and much more. Her hard work ethic was instilled into her five boys who learned to work hard and love their families well. It was always important to make sure each of them put in a hard day’s work. Helen loved children and her face would light up when they were in the room, especially her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Helen loved every flower and hated every weed. Until recent years kept her from it, she made sure there were no cedar trees on the 160 acres where she lived.

Her love for others is less well known by her financial contributions, even with her small income, to many organizations including St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Billy Graham, Father Flanagan’s Boys Town, Disabled American Veterans and other veterans’ support groups.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, George and Alma Brauer, her husband, Earl Hand, her second husband Everette Hand, her son, James Hand, her sister Clara Brauer, her brother, William Brauer who were all from the Prague and Arlington areas. Helen is survived by George and Meredith Hand of Prague, Lisa Hand of Ada, John Hand of Prague, David and Marlene Hand of Prague, and Richard and Pat Hand of Prague, eleven grandchildren and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A service to celebrate her life, love for her Savior, and her love for family and friends will be held at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 2:00pm. Graveside service will follow at The Prague Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital in memory of Helen Hand.