Helen Loree O'Neil, 84, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away early, Wednesday morning, December 4, 2019 at her home.

Born November 7, 1935 in Driftwood, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Harold Athol and Nora Jane (Parker) Mason. She was raised and received her education primarily in Ira, New York where her family owned and operated a dairy farm. The family later moved to Burden, Kansas where she attended and graduated from Burden High School in 1953. Following school, Loree married Otis G. Marler. To this union, four sons were born. The couple later divorced.

Loree was married to Leonard O'Neil for over 30 years. The couple made their home in the Winfield area, where she worked as a secretary and switchboard operator at the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center. She later went to work as a deputy sheriff for the Cowley County Sheriff Department and remained there until retiring in 2000. Mr. O'Neil preceded her in death in 2007.

Loree loved animals and enjoyed showing cattle when she was younger. She was also an accomplished writer, writing many short stories and publishing a book of poetry.

Her family includes her sons, Michael Marler of Winfield; Steve Marler and wife, Linda of Rose Hill; James Marler of Winfield; her sister Laretta Mason of Joplin, MO; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Loree was preceded in death by a son, John Thomas Marler and a sister, Louise Hart.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Miles Funeral Service. Private interment will take place at Mt. Vernon Cemetery north west of Winfield.

A memorial has been established in Loree's name for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.