Helena Ann "Gma" Stubbs

Helena Ann “Gma” Stubbs, 84, of Lefors passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, October 19, 2026 in Lefors.

Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Memorial Heights Cemetery in Lefors with Pastor Jon Watson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Helena was born on May 27, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas, to F.A. and Flo McCaskill. She graduated from Lubbock High School in 1960 before continuing her education at Northwest School of Nursing in Amarillo. As a second-generation nurse, Helena took great pride in following in her family's footsteps and dedicated her life to caring for others.

Throughout her nursing career, Helena worked at Highland General Hospital, McLean Hospital, and Coronado Hospital in Pampa. In 1992, she moved to Hale Center, where she began working at St. Mary's Hospital in Plainview before eventually retiring from a rewarding career devoted to helping others. Her passion for nursing extended beyond traditional patient care, as she earned specialized certifications in labor and delivery, diabetes education, and oncology nursing. For Helena, nursing was more than a profession; it was a calling, and she took great pride in the difference she could make in the lives of her patients. Helena married Robert Stubbs on September 17, 1963. They shared 45 years of marriage before his passing on September 24, 2008.

Helena had a servant's heart and believed in giving back to the communities she called home. During her years in Hale Center, she volunteered with the Hale County Mission and local food bank, served as a community diabetes educator, and was active in the Methodist Church. In 2018, after 26 years in Hale Center, Helena moved to Lefors, where she quickly became involved in her new community. She participated in the Lefors Senior Citizens, Lefors Youth Sports, Lions Club, and Lefors Women's Club and was a member of Lefors Baptist Church. She was also instrumental in Lefors' Bicentennial celebration. Wherever Helena lived, she found a way to get involved, lend a helping hand, and make her community a better place.

Helena had a special place in her heart for children and was always willing to give her time to support them. When her own children were young, she served as a Girl Scout leader and helped organize fundraisers, including bike-a-thons and efforts to provide eyeglasses for those in need. Halloween was one of her favorite times of the year, and she especially enjoyed dressing up and sharing in the excitement of the holiday with children.

Outside of her community involvement, Helena found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved gardening and surrounding herself with beautiful flowers, raising chickens and roosters, and watching birds with her best friend, Stacey. An accomplished seamstress, she also enjoyed quilting and creating things with her hands. Having been raised by cotton farmers, Helena understood the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and making the most of what she had. She was famously thrifty and could find a second use for just about anything. In Helena's eyes, there was no reason to throw something away if it might come in handy someday.

Those who knew Helena knew exactly where they stood with her. She was quick-witted, sharp-tongued, and never one to sugarcoat her thoughts. Her honesty often came with very little filter, leading her family to affectionately refer to some of her more memorable remarks as "Gma Burns." You might not always have been prepared for what Helena was going to say, but you could count on her to say exactly what she thought. Beneath that spirited personality was a genuine, hardworking woman who cared deeply for the people around her.

Helena was salt of the earth, with a strong sense of patriotism and an unwavering appreciation for her country. She took her responsibility as a citizen seriously, never missing an opportunity to vote. One of her proudest traditions was accompanying her grandchildren to the polls when they were old enough to cast their first votes, passing along the importance of exercising that right.

Above all, Helena treasured her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she made every effort to be present for their activities, celebrations, and special moments. Whether cheering from the sidelines or simply spending time together, Helena wanted to be part of their lives. She believed in the importance of family, the value of hard work, and the responsibility of caring for one another.

Helena leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, determination, and a lifetime of memories. She will be remembered for the countless lives she touched through nursing, the communities she faithfully served, the family she loved so dearly, and, of course, those unforgettable "Gma Burns" that could make everyone laugh. Her life was one of purpose, generosity, and a personality that was truly her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Teddy McCaskill.

Survivors include her four daughters, Cynthia Stubbs of Lefors, Melissa Ann Stubbs of Galveston, Debbie Henson and husband Jay and Sandra Coombes and husband Terry all of Lefors; grandchildren, Rachael, Seth and wife Bella, Savanah and husband Eric, Haley and husband Matt, Hayden, Bethany, Misty and husband Andrew, Wakely and wife Julz, and Story and husband David; great grandchildren, Ezra, Elijah, Sturgill, Flynn, Sunee, Andee, Jack, Lorenzo, Koe, and Thomas; cousin, James Springer; and special family friend, Karina Lopez and her children, Eva, Cataleya, Carolina, and Sebastian; and her special loving cat, Marilyn.

Memorials can be sent to Lefors Senior Citizen’s Center, Lefors Volunteer Fire Department, or Lefors Youth Sports.