Helen Elizabeth Coolbaugh

Helen Elizabeth Coolbaugh, 91, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014. She was born November 27, 1923 in McAlester, Oklahoma to John William (Bill) and Oda Nobles Dismuke. Helen grew up on the McClure Hereford Ranch north of McAlester, Oklahoma. She received her elementary education at the Mekko School, and graduated from the Crowder High School in 1940 at the age of 16. Helen attended Eastern Oklahoma A&M College in Wilburton, Oklahoma for one year before marrying the love of her life, Rev. Gene Coolbaugh on August 9, 1942. She later attended Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma where she received her Associates Degree in Education. She also attended Northeastern State University where she received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Education, and a Masters of Teaching Degree in Education. After graduating with her Master’s degree, Helen did post graduate work at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. Helen taught school for 38 years in Muskogee County. She taught at Woodall elementary, McLain School, Ft. Gibson School, and Grant Foreman Elementary School, then retired in 1985. She enjoyed her life as a pastor’s wife. Helen and her husband, Rev. Gene Coolbaugh enjoyed 62 wonderful years together serving the Lord. In Helen’s honor and memory, her family request that memorials be made out to Calvary Baptist Church, 220 South R St, Muskogee, OK 74403. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Oda Dismuke; son-in-law, Don Hunt; and sister, Mildred Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Jeanette Hunt of Muskogee, OK; 2 granddaughters, Donna Moore and her husband, Rick of Wagoner, OK, and Debbie Dennis and her husband, Steve of Checotah, OK; 7 great grandchildren, Brett Smith and his wife, Connie, Blair Smith, Kelsey Moore, Hayden Dennis, Hillary Dennis, Hannah Dennis, and Hunter Dennis; 2 great great grandchildren, Caleb and Nolan Smith; 2 brothers, Bill Dismuke and his wife, Ruby of Tulsa, OK, Roy Dismuke and his wife, Imogene of Krebs, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Monday, December 15, 2014 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Dennis and Rev. Bob Shoemake officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Rick Moore, Steve Dennis, Brett Smith, Blair Smith, Hayden Dennis, and Howard Kleeman serving as pallbearers.

Helen Elizabeth Coolbaugh

November 27, 1923 - December 11, 2014