Helen M. Stokely

Helen Maxine Stokely, 92, of Valentine, died on September 9, 2024 at her home.  Memorial Mass will be 10:00am on Saturday, September 14 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery with lunch following at the parish hall.  Visitation will be Friday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Vigil Service at 7:00pm at church.  Memorials may be made to House of Mary Shrine, PO Box 455, Yankton, SD 57078 or Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska, 1316 Peger Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99709-5168.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Helen was born on April 7, 1932, to Edwin and Agnes (Simons) Engler at their farm home north of Atkinson.  Helen spent her early years attending grade school at District #68 north of Stuart and later at St. Mary’s Academy in O’Neill. After graduating from St. Joseph’s High School in Atkinson in 1949, she attended business school in Omaha. Helen was employed at the Holt County Courthouse when she met Assistant County Agent Harry Stokely.  On August 3, 1955, she and Harry were married at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stuart. They lived in Mullen for 2.5 years before settling in Valentine in 1958.

Known for her steady, even-keeled personality, Helen brought a calm and peaceful presence into every room. Whether handling the daily challenges of raising her family or offering a listening ear to a friend in need, she did so with a quiet strength and grace that never wavered. Her ability to remain composed in any situation was a comfort to those around her, and her steady demeanor became a cornerstone of her family’s life.

Helen was a preparer. She prepared three meals a day on a meticulously set table, nourishing her family.  She prepared her children for each day, with care and attention, ensuring they were ready to face the world. She prepared their home, creating a warm and welcoming space that was immaculate for the frequent guests that were invited by Harry.

She was prepared to stretch every dollar to meet the family needs.  Sewing, canning, and putting up corn were just a few of the daily tasks.  Fileting fresh caught fish and butchering chickens were a weekly routine.  Her pan-fried chicken and peaches and cream were delicacies the entire family looked forward to.

Most importantly, Helen prepared her entire life for her eternal reward in heaven. Her devout Catholic faith was the foundation of her life, and she was a shining example of faith and devotion. Her days were spent in prayer, service, and love, and her legacy is one of quiet strength and unwavering belief in the grace of God.

Survivors include her children: Tom (Susan), Joe (Nevada), Theresa (Dennis) May, Bill (Stasia), Jim, John, and Matt (Rick McFayden); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; sister, Eileen Schmitt; and brother, John (Dottie) Engler.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harry in 2020; infant daughter, Mary Helen; and siblings, Leonard (Doris) Engler, Margaret (Alfred) Straka, and brother-in-law John Schmit.