Helen Louise Pummill

Helen Louise Pummill March 15, 1929 - October 10, 2024 Helen Louise Wallis was born in Tulsa, OK on March 15, 1929 to J. C. and Jewel Hill Wallis. She graduated from Tulsa Central High School. Upon her graduation, she attended Oklahoma A&M (OSU) before returning to Tulsa and marrying Elward "Tex" Houston in 1948. He had enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was later called back into service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Although he didn't serve in a War Theater, his service led to many separations and relocations. They lived in Long Beach and Santa Ana, CA during this time. Upon his separation from military service, they began an interesting period of many moves. He was employed by Gulf Oil and they lived in Oklahoma City, OK, Denver, CO, Casper, WY, Grants, NM, Albuquerque, NM and he also worked on the Western Slope of the Rockies. At one time, he was sent to Angola, Africa where for three years he alternated 30 days there and 30 days at home in Denver. Helen worked all during that time. At one time, she worked for a company partly owned by the actor, Lee Marvin. Their most interesting posting of three years was to Jakarta, Indonesia. She learned enough of the language to interpret for those visiting. During that time, they travelled extensively in Asia and the South Pacific. Upon Tex's retirement, they returned to Tulsa where they were living at the time of his death in 1992. Although Helen moved several times, she was happy to be back in Tulsa and never left again. She became acquainted with a group of women, many of whom were widows and they travelled together, played bridge, and saw the world. Once, they flew to Bueno Aires, Argentina where they boarded a ship for a Cruise departing the next day. They went to see a Tango Show and upon returning to the ship late that night, they discovered the ship had been damaged in a collision. It was not deemed to be seaworthy so they flew back home the next day, having spent less than 24 hours in Argentina. Through her church, First Christian Church, she met Bill Pummill. They were married in 1999. Bill shared Helen's love of travel and they took many trips together including to Iceland and Greenland. They eventually moved to Methodist Manor, now Trinity Woods, and were very happy there. There were card games, Mexican Train, and other activities in which they engaged. Bill died in 2017 and Helen remained there until her death. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Alice Wallis of Tulsa, OK. She had many dear friends including Judy Miller, who she considered to be a cousin. Funeral Services will be held at the Fleming Center at Trinity Woods in Tulsa on Thursday October 24th at 10AM. Donations made in her name may go to Trinity Woods or a Charity of your choice.