Wanza June (Smith) Heldermon was born September 17, 1935, in Hinton, Oklahoma, to Marshall and Vada (Smith) Smith. She passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at SSM Health Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 90.  June attended school in Hinton and Mound Valley Schools. She was united in marriage to Carrol Ray Heldermon, Sr. on May 25, 1952, at the Bethel Methodist Church in Hydro, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on September 1, 1989, in Oklahoma City.  After their daughter Vonda was born, the family moved to Arizona. While living there, June worked at a grocery store in Phoenix and later at Western Electric. Her working career ended when she became seriously ill with virus encephalitis, which required her family to lovingly help her relearn many daily tasks. Through this difficult season, June’s strength, determination, and faith never wavered.  June lived a full and fascinating life. She grew up during the Dust Bowl years and even experienced an encounter with escaped prisoners in her hometown—stories that became part of her family’s lore. Her faith in Christ was the most important part of her life, and she lived that faith through service to others.  June and Carrol loved the outdoors and family time. They spent countless days camping, fishing, and traveling with their children and grandchildren. Lake Murray was a favorite destination, and June was known for making the best campfire breakfasts anyone had ever tasted. If the kids or grandkids went camping, June cooked whatever they were able to catch or hunt. They enjoyed barbecues, family gatherings, and being deeply involved in the lives and activities of their children and grandchildren. June and Carrol were fiercely protective and loving parents.  In 1969, the family moved back to Hinton, where they owned and operated the 281 Steakhouse. June made everything from scratch and truly loved serving others. She had a servant’s heart—always the last to eat and the first to clean up at every family gathering.

June is survived by two daughters, Vonda Weathers of Lookeba, Oklahoma, and Cynthia Lynn Welch of Vancouver, Washington; grandchildren Delton Weathers and wife Amy, Alton Weathers and wife Melissa, Stormi Helmuth and husband Jared, all of Hinton, Oklahoma; Kevin Heldermon and wife Karla of Stilwell, Oklahoma; Misty Heldermon of Byfield, Massachusetts; Kelley Metcalf of Shawnee, Oklahoma; Tia Robertson and husband Wes of Washougal, Washington; and Earl Welch and Ty of Aloha, Oregon; and numerous great-grandchildren, Dawson, Sheradyn, Kassidy, Skylar, Ty, Sierra, Brooklyn, Hunter, Aubrey, Kenny, Alex, Alton, Annabel, Ryan, and Tevy; She is also survived by her siblings, Joy Miller of Hinton, Oklahoma, and Travis Smith and wife Cherril of Weatherford, Oklahoma, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

June was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Vada Smith; stepmother Lorene Smith; husband Carrol Ray Heldermon, Sr.; sons Carrol Ray Heldermon, Jr. and David Ray Heldermon; granddaughter Jamie Heldermon; and siblings Marcus Smith, Harlan Smith, Marsha McSparrin, and Minnalee Stewart.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Hinton, Oklahoma, with Rev. Keith Gillham officiating. Burial will follow at Sickles Cemetery in Lookeba, Oklahoma, services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Hinton, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).