Betty A. Helms

Betty Helms, 78, died Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at the Linn Community Nursing Home. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 8, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, west of Linn. Rev Richard Rikli and Rev. David Meier officiated. Barb Ruhnke was the organist and played congregational hymns, "For All The Saints", "I'm But A Stranger Here" and "Nearer to God." Dorothy Griffith sang "Precious Lord Take My Hand." The pallbearers were Larry Roetter, Duane Meier, Roger Hageman, Bruce Hageman, Scott Helms and Kevin Helms. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Betty was born August 1, 1934 to Emil and Sophie (Tewes) Meier of Palmer, KS. On August 12, 1934, she was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, by Rev. Geo. Lehenbauer and was confirmed on March 21, 1948 by the same pastor. Betty was an active member of the Walther League. She attended school at Linn Rural High School and graduated in 1952 as valedictorian. On October 18, 1953 she was united in marriage to Edgar Helms at the St. John Lutheran Church. The marriage was blessed with three children; Gary, Sharon, and Mark. Betty worked for the J. R. Moore agency for many years and was also employed as a clerk in the Washington County Treasurer Office for 10 years. After retiring she worked at the Linn Community Nursing Home and volunteered as a bible study leader at the nursing home. Betty enjoyed music and sang in the church choir. One of her greatest joys was teaching Sunday school at Immanuel Lutheran Church, which she did for over 25 years. Betty also was a member of the LWML and served as the Zone secretary and treasurer. Those left to mourn are her husband of 59 years, Edgar; son, Gary, Clay Center, KS; 2 grandsons, Scott Helms, Clay Center; Kevin (Chelsie) Helms, Clay Center; sister, Elvie Hageman, Leonardville, KS, brother, Ewald (Sonja) Meier, Clyde, KS; and sister-in-law, Lois Meier, Alliance, NE. She was preceded in death by two children, Sharon Helms and Mark Helms; brother, Everett Meier; sister, Lorina Roetter; parents; 2 brother-in-laws, Lavern Hageman and Milburn Roetter; sister-in-law, Eileen Meier; niece, Carla Meier; and nephew, Dennis Roetter. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, 115 W. 2nd, Washington, KS 66968. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty A. Helms, please visit our flower store.