Helen Strickenberger, 82, of Oil City, a loving mother and grandmother, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2016.

Helen Rose was born on October 16, 1934 in Marble, a daughter of the late Henry and Agnes Hartle Groner.
She was married to Kenneth Strickenberger on May 14, 1960 at St. Stephen Church in Oil City. After 52 years of happy and joyful marriage, Ken proceeded Helen in death on April 7, 2012.

Over the years, Helen centered her world on family and lending a hand to those who needed it. Helping others was her greatest glory. She was by her family’s side, whether it was to console them during a bad day, or to help them conquer a big project at home or in the yard. Her selflessness and compassion extended beyond the family, whether it was providing meals for neighbors in need or simply making someone feel special.

She eagerly looked forward to traveling, especially to her and Ken’s favorite destination, Disney World, where the family traveled countless times over the years. She loved to receive flowers, and if Ken’s roses were in bloom, she had them displayed on the dining room table. Christmas was a special time for Helen. At Helen and Ken’s house, Christmas music was playing as soon as Halloween was over. During the holidays, she loved having her granddaughters, who were her world, to the house to make Christmas cookies. She also extended her love to the family’s dogs.

In addition to her kindness, Helen will be remembered for her for her incredible work ethic. She retired as a billing clerk from Northwest Medical Center in 1993. She continued to stay busy after retirement, working tirelessly in the garden, helping others, and never missing any of her grandchildren’s events. She enjoyed playing cards with her family, and had a special bond with her sisters.

Helen is survived by three children, Mary Kay McKinney and husband Daryl of Franklin, and Patty and Frank Licata of Erie, and her only son, Leo “Bud” Strickenberger who lived with Ken and Helen until 2012.
She had five granddaughters, Stacey Gardner and husband John of Dayton, OH; Christy McKinney of Baltimore, MD; Julie Miller and husband Chris of Columbia, MD; and Stephany Licata and Gabriella Licata of Erie. She had one great-grandson, Nathan Gardner, of Dayton, OH.

Helen is survived by three sisters, Jean Marie Shaffer of Cape Coral Florida, Patricia Jane Wright (Chuck) of Seneca, and Judith Groner of Reno. In addition, she is survived by beloved brothers and sisters in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Five siblings proceeded Helen, John (Mary Lou) Groner, Sr. Rita Groner, Mary Grace (Les) Winger, Stephen Groner and Germaine Groner.

Friends and family can call at the Morrison Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Wednesday in St. Stephen Church with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, pastor, and the Rev. Matthew Strickenberger, her nephew, concelebrating.

Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens.

The family suggests memorials to the Easter Seals of Venango County or the Alzheimer’s Association.