Long-time Bend resident, Helen (Filey) O'Brien, 97, was born in Carson, Missouri, to Frank and Florence Filey and died in Bend, Oregon. She is survived by her children, Donna Phillips, Steven Cornelius and Dana Wilcox, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

Helen's family moved to Bend in the 1930s when her father became Barn Boss at the Brooks - Scanlon Mill in charge of the workhorses. Raised in the only home in The Mill Yard (now the Mill District) with her siblings, Lavelle and Bud, her love of riding horses evolved into barrel-racing and helped her win the title of 1945 Sisters Rodeo Queen.

Helen raised her family in the Seattle area and later returned to Bend Oregon where she worked at the employment office helping Seniors secure employment.

A great cook, Helen published a cookbook in her later years. She also loved fishing and playing pinochle with friends. For the last 20 years she attended the Sisters Rodeo and parade and especially loved rodeo clown, J. J. Harris, and shared with him the occasional "dance in the stands". Helen also proudly held the title of Deschutes County Pioneer Queen 2020 and 2021.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sisters Rodeo Association, PO Box 1018, Sisters Oregon 97759 with notation for Helen Filey O'Brien