Helen Patricia O'Neal

It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of a remarkable woman. Helen Patricia O’Neal, 97, passed peacefully on July 15, 2025. A devoted partner, a loving mother, a proud grandparent, and a cherished friend, she gave endlessly to those she loved. Her home was filled with laughter, handmade gifts, shared meals, and quiet moments that became treasured memories. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and deep connection. To know her was to feel truly seen and supported. Her impact will live on in the lives she touched, the art she inspired, and the love she gave so freely. In honoring her memory, may we continue to find beauty in the everyday, lift others with kindness, positivity and create a life of meaning—just as she did. Helen was born January 7, 1928, in Hale, MO to Harry and Bess (Billow) Burnside and graduated from Hale High School in 1946. She was a beloved wife, mother and homemaker while raising her family and had held a few part-time jobs including working at Dairy Queen and in the school cafeteria, so she would have summers off to spend with her children. She enjoyed doing artwork and was an accomplished artist in oil painting, ceramics and had taught classes in painting throughout her life until recently where she taught painting classed at Novel Place. She and her husband traveled extensively in their RV and loved collecting rock and stones from wherever they visited to sand and shape the stones. She was known to have a great sense of humor. She was married to Wilburn O’Neal on October 4, 1947, and they enjoyed many years together before his passing in 2014. Survivors include 4 children, Fred O’Neal and wife Sandra, Gale O’Neal and wife Amy, Abbie Rennison and husband Robert and Doyle O’Neal and wife Marlene: 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. She was preceded in death by 4 siblings, Harold Burnside, Betty Preator, Shirley Zimmerman and Dale Burnside. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel with burial to follow in Mt. Washington Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m., until service time Saturday at the chapel. The family suggests donations in her name to the College of the Ozarks. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)