Cindy Helms, age 76, passed away on June 9, 2026, in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Julius (JW) Ward and Mary Gwaltney Ward, and by her sister, Gail Ward Schwartz. She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Rick Helms; her three sons, Rich Helms, Ben Helms, and Michael Helms; her goddaughter Kate Harrington and her sister, Judy Ward Lundberg. She also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will cherish her memory.
Born on May 22, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas, Cindy spent her childhood moving with her family but always considered Fort Scott, Kansas her hometown. She graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
After teaching for a short time, Cindy discovered her passion in the business world. She owned and operated Computer Business Forms and Supplies in Parsons, Kansas, started and operated A Very Special Book in Nashville, and served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Land Title Association. She retired as the Director of Marketing for The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee.
A devoted woman of faith, Cindy was a member of Bellevue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She dedicated much of her life to ministry, education, and publishing. Among her accomplishments, she published a vacation bible school curriculum entitled Building the Temple and co-authored The Beginners Bible for Toddlers, an industry best seller.
Cindy embraced life with enthusiasm and determination and her journey was filled with eclectic accomplishments. From being voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by her high school classmates to competing as a member of her college debate team to being selected as one of the best dressed co-eds, to participating in multiple half-marathons, she was never one who was content to sit on the sideline. She was especially proud of achieving a hole-in-one on May 7, 2007.
Music held a special place in Cindy’s heart, particularly folk and gospel music. It was through a college folk group that she met the love of her life and began a musical partnership that would span more than five decades.
Cindy will be remembered for her faith, kindness, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep devotion to her family and friends. She was many things, but her greatest joy came from her family. She grew up in a family of girls and later often said that raising her three boys made her feel like she was a fraternity house mother. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the work she accomplished, and the love she shared so generously.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Services will be announced at a later date.
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home – Lebanon.
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter
 Ward and Mary Gwaltney War...){kind=link}