Helen Noel Irby, 84, of Wichita Falls, passed away on April 10, 2023.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on April 14, 2023, at Faith Baptist with Larry Shields officiating.  The family invites friends to join them at a visitation after the service. Graveside services will be held Monday April 17, at 1:00 p.m. at Crestview Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

A daughter of the late Alvin R. Irby and Juanita (Hollabaugh) Noel was born on December 24, 1938, in Seymour, Texas. She attended Wichita Falls High School and graduated in the year 1956. Noel continued her educational journey and went on to study at Midwestern University, majoring in education, and graduated in the year 1960. She then went on to teach at Crockett Elementary School and in her time at Crockett she Introduced many young people to Laura Ingalls Wilder by reading to her classes, "Farmer Boy" during her first few years of teaching, and in later years J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit." During her time teaching she was selected to be Teacher of the Year for the Wichita Falls Independent School District. She retired after teaching 24 years, (Same room for all 24 years!).
Noel was very active at Faith Baptist Church. She went on several trips to the Holy Land was a member of the Sanctuary Choir, Faith Singers, was the Music Ministry Assistant for 16 years, and was a reader and narrator for numerous musical productions at the church. Many two week long family trips were taken in a camping trailer from the Rocky Mountains to Yellowstone. In her down time she adored watching "Jeopardy" and the Texas Rangers. Other hobbies she took interest in were genealogy, sewing, needlework, painting, and jigsaw puzzles. Additionally she was a collector of dragons, angels, and hugs. Her dogs, Rosie and Sheba, were loved dearly by her.

Noel was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Alva Penelope Irby.

Noel is survived by her sister, Holly Suzanne Irby; numerous cousins, their children, and many, many dear friends.