Helen B. Tonde

Helen was born in Hobart OK on April 29,1920 to Ben and Eula Branum. She passed to her eternal home on October 13, 2025.

After high school she went to Eunice NM and worked as a switchboard operator until moving to Odessa Tx in 1933. There through her brother Lowell she met Ray McNeill and his jazz orchestra. Singing with Dude Vance's combo and Ray's band was what she loved and was great at it. She and Ray married on December 23,1941.

During WWll they moved to Alpine and remained there until moving to Midland in 1953. Raising their 3 children was her joy. She was involved in their school and other activities, lifetime member of the PTA.

Then in 1965 she and Ray divorced and she later moved to Lubbock and even later married Jim Tonde in Kerrville Tx June 3, 1967. They had a wonderful life together hunting, fishing and golfing.

Upon Jim's transfer with Sears to San Antonio she got her real estate license and managed two buildings for Thomas Garrett and sons until retiring in 1976.

Jim retired in 1980 and they moved to Kerrville and later to Tapatio Springs where they enjoyed life until his death in 2013.

Helen was preceded in death by Jim, both her parents, brothers Lowell, Buddy and Ben Jr Branum, sister Juanita Branum Garrett, granddaughter Aura Mayo and Son-in-law Buddy Bradley.

She is survived by her sons Larry and Bill McNeill (Liz), daughter Martha Bradley and step daughter Betty Tonde (Joe).

Grandsons Brody, Bret and Larry McNeill (Bella), granddaughters Shanon Gripkey (Les), Cassie Anundson (Rick), Aislinn Dreasher (Max) and step granddaughter Donna Selman. Great grandchildren Danny Gripkey, Griffin and Lila Anundson, step great grandchildren Ryan, Bryce and Mallory Lusby.

Step great greats Peyton and Drew Lusby.

Nieces Frances Laengrich. Jackie Reese, Helen Allison (Lynn), Cristi Branum (Kathryn), nephews Mark (Pam) and Kirk (Tia) Branum.

Helen will be buried next to Jim in Kerrville TX on Saturday October 18, 2025 at 12 noon.