Irene Helmcke

Martha ‘Irene’ (Thornton) Helmcke 77, passed away suddenly on December 26, 2025. Irene was born on April 9, 1948, in Friona, Texas. She is survived by her partner of 39 years, France Heiner, her son Richard W. Helmcke and his partner Leecia Denning , granddaughter Sarah, step grandkids Camie, Kealie, Taylor and their families, her sister and brother-in-law Susan and Craig Dunning of Austin Texas, her niece Loretta Bustillo of Fillmore California, one aunt and many cousins.
Irene grew up in the Texas Panhandle and enjoyed life on the family farm. Her beautiful singing voice led her to sing in the church choir in high school and to McMurry College in Abilene, Texas where she sang in their choral group, The Chanters. It was in Abilene that she met her future husband, Donn W. Helmcke. After a tour in Thailand Donn returned and they married in Dimmitt, Texas. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona where her son Richard was born.
In 1971, Donn was stationed to Hill AFB in Utah. They bought a home in Clearfield where they made many friends. During their marriage they deployed to England for 5 years. Donn lost his battle with cancer in 1984, after returning to Utah.
Irene rebuilt her life in Clearfield, becoming very active in her church and meeting France, with whom she has had a long, loving relationship. France and Irene have shared the last 39 years together and have made many wonderful memories . Their relationship has been a very special bond and a lasting, loving commitment to each other.
Her generous and compassionate nature led her to a volunteer career in many service and leadership roles in the church, including the choir, Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader and Stephen Ministry. In later years she worked on the search committee for her pastor and supervised a committee to renovate the sanctuary. She later joined the Morgan Valley Christian Church, where she served as Moderator. She also served on the board of Camp Utaba, where she enjoyed many camping trips.
At home when she wasn’t volunteering, she enjoyed crafts. Most of her handiworks became gifts for those she loved. Irene found Joy in giving and caring for others, something you not only could see, but feel anytime you were in her presence. Irene was generous and kind beyond measure. Just knowing her made you want to be a better person. Her cousin Tracey put it best… “She was simply the kindest person I’ve ever met.”
A memorial service will be held at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd Ogden, UT. On Saturday Jan 3, 2026, at 4:00pm In lieu of Flowers – memorial donations may be made to any charity of your choice, or in her spirit of quiet generosity, please help someone you know in need.
Please help us celebrate Irene by sharing memories and uploading photos to Irene’s memorial page at www.myers-mortuary.com. Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary in Ogden.