Helen Louise Weaver was born on April 23rd, 1924, in Dallas County, Missouri, the daughter of Opal and Clyde Montgomery. She departed this life on January 5th, 2026, at home with family - just shy of her 102nd birthday.

Helen was the oldest of three children, having two younger brothers, Don and Rex, whom she remained close with all her life.

As a teenager during WWII Helen worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" at an air force base in California, then as a transport driver for the officers at Will Rogers AFB in Oklahoma City where she met her first husband, Joe Tonti aka World's Strongest Upside-Down Man.

Together Helen and Joe had three children: Felicia (Donajo), Jenny Lou, and Ross. Growing up, the kids have fond memories of their weekend road trips that always included a loaded picnic basket in the trunk, filled with Helen's home cooking. And big home-cooked meals after church, followed by outings to the zoo.

When the kids were young, Helen's cooking became renowned. Whether Joe brought home members of the Rat Pack, actors, or his sparring partners, all could be guaranteed a very satisfying meal. Helen is even remembered for running out to get a new set of dishes when the new parish priest was coming for dinner. It was during this time when Helen did the most to help with sewing for the nuns, while also baking goodies for the kid's classroom parties.

Not only was Helen renowned for her cooking and baking, but she was also a pure craftsman and artisan creating matching clothes and costumes for the kids, drapes, bedspreads, blue-ribbon crocheted blankets, and even homemade dolls and animals. She was always remembered for keeping herself busy, busy, busy.

When Joe passed away unexpectedly in Pennsylvania, she moved the kids to Missouri to be with family. Helen went on to Kansas City, where she inadvertently met her second husband, Robert Weaver, who had served in the air force and worked for TWA. Together they raised five teenagers in Oklahoma City under one roof: her three, plus Bob's daughter and son – Roberta and Jimmy.

Helen and Bob worked side by side during their 32-year marriage. They owned Lakewood Beauty Salon in Oklahoma City, they worked together selling real estate, they managed a country club style retirement home, and managed various businesses. It came to an end when Bob passed away unexpectedly after open heart surgery in 1993.

Helen continued her work in business management, where years later in 2001 she met and married her heartfelt match, John Daniel. Not only did she gain the most compassionate mate, but she also gained two stepdaughters, Pam and Sheryl.

Helen and John worked closely together managing a business in Allen, TX before retiring to a home on Lake Texoma. They enjoyed their gardens, the boat docks, and home projects where Helen always kept a running honey-do list for John. Their weekends were filled with grandkids and great grandkids, while evenings were spent in card games with her oldest daughter.

After John's passing, Helen never remarried.

Helen is predeceased by her parents, her two brothers, her three husbands, her stepson, and numerous cousins. She is survived by her three biological children: Felicia Flippin; Jenny Faulkner (husband Bob); Ross Tonti (wife Bonnie); her step-daughter Roberta Garner (husband Rex); and step-daughters Pam Daniel (husband Jim Williams) and Sheryl Daniel, from her marriage to John; as well as her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren.

She was our matriarch, and she will be missed.