Helena Blondell Schmidt was born on the family farm near Hydro, Oklahoma to Jacob and Katie Theissen Schmidt on November 14, 1922. She departed this life peacefully on April, 19, 2010 at Spanish Cove in Yukon, OK. A neighbor Indian woman named Blondell stayed with Mrs. Schmidt for sometime before and after Blondell was born and her parents decided to name her after this beloved friend. Blondell was the joy of her parent's lives and became a favorite of her many uncles and aunts. When Blondell was 3 years old her father moved the family to Sharon, OK to begin establishing telephone lines and service to that area of the state. The Schmidt's called Sharon home for the rest of their lives. Blondell was a child prodigy began Elementary school at the age of 4 years and 9 months. At the age of 9, Blondell was delighted when her brother George ("J.G.") joined the family. Their age difference was never an issue as Blondell was always the proud big sister to all of J.G.'s accomplishments. Blondell, always a high achiever and exceptional student, finished at the top of her class graduating as the Valedictorian at Sharon High School in 1939. Blondell entered college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford and graduated, Magna Cum Laude, with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Education and Music. While at SWOSU, Blondell was active in the Wesley Players (a Methodist Church Drama Group), SWOSU Drama Department appearing in countless theatre productions. Blondell was Editor of the SWOSU College Newspaper for 2 years and was elected President of the Student Council her senior year. Blondell's love of music was lifelong and she played piano and sang solo with the SWOSU College Dance Band and a local Weatherford Dance Band. Following graduation, Blondell returned to her parent's home in Sharon to begin teaching in Vici, OK. In the fall of 1944 Blondell relocated to Walsh, CO for some adventure and to teach with some former college classmates. In high school, Blondell met Paul Huffman from nearby Mutual, OK. Initially unimpressed with Paul, Blondell would listen to his phone conversations with other young ladies while operating the family telephone switchboard business. Eventually, Paul won her over with his quiet charm and sharp intellect and they remained inseparable from that day on. While serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II Paul phoned Blondell to propose and instead of following his suggestion to join him in New York where he was stationed, she insisted if he wanted her to marry him, he needed to "come get her". He did so and they married on February 21, 1945 in small family ceremony and immediately returned to New York by train. During their short time in New York, Blondell worked on Wall Street and Paul drove an ambulance. Upon Paul's discharge in October 1945, they returned to SWOSU where Paul completed his Pharmacy degree and Blondell added a degree in Accounting. Paul and Blondell moved to Rolla, KS for one year where Paul was the Principal and Science Teacher and Blondell taught Art, Music and English in the local school. They returned to Sharon the next year where Blondell taught in the Sharon School System and Paul farmed with the Huffman Family in Mutual from 1947-1956. In 1956 Paul purchased the Arnett Drug and they established the family home in Arnett. Blondell taught in the Arnett School System until 1959 when on August 3rd they adopted their daughter, Katie Je'. Within 3 weeks they adopted son David Chan on August 29th. Paul and Blondell were devoted to their children and were overjoyed to adopt Robben Paul on August 13, 1961.
Blondell suspended her teaching until 1969 to enjoy the many activities she participated in with her children. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Bible School Coordinator, Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout Den Mother, Music Teacher, Art Instructor and always a "Creative Playmate". In 1967 Blondell returned to teaching in the Gage School System for 3 years before returning to the Arnett School System until her retirement in January of 1992 after 43 years of teaching. It was in October of 1991 that Blondell suffered a debilitating stroke. Paul's devotion to her care was unwavering and he did so until his death. They shared a wonderful and very happy life together for 64 years remaining in their Arnett Home before relocating to Spanish Cove in Yukon, OK in November, 2009. Blondell grew to love all her students and was so proud of the fact she had taught 3 generations of families. Her 1982 "Teacher of the Year" award for Ellis County was a highlight in her teaching career. In 2006, Blondell received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her teaching and mentorship, an award she was also most proud of. She and Paul both enjoyed it when former students would call, send a card, or visit them just to say hello. Teaching Art, Music, Drama and English were Blondell's passion and she did so with love, humor and sometimes a firm hand – but she always did what she thought best to inspire a student to reach their potential. Their three children, four grandchildren and great-grandchild were Paul and Blondell's pride and joy and they delighted in sharing their lives and activities. She attended all her children's activities such as school music programs and plays, pageants, ballgames, graduations, weddings and the arrivals of grandchildren. Blondell was particularly proud of her title "Grandma Blondy" and then of becoming a Great-Grandmother. She will always be known by her grandchildren for "wearing them out" with numerous adventures she shared with them. Blondell was preceded in death by infant son, David Paul in May, 1959, son, Robben Paul on June 14, 1994 and beloved husband, Paul Huffman on December 20, 2009. She is survived by daughter, Katie Je' Gonzales, husband Mike, grandson, Maximillian Paul of Oklahoma City. Son, Chan Huffman and wife Brenda, grandson, Tim Moore and wife Trinity and great-granddaughter, Ambria of Texhoma, OK. Granddaughters, Cortni Chantel Huffman of Amarillo, TX and Christine Gonzales of Edmond, OK. Donations may be made to the American Stroke Association in lieu of flowers.