Lavera L. Helms

Lavera L. Helms, 94, of Linn, Kan., passed away peacefully on June 8, 2018 at the Clay County Medical Center in Clay Center, Kan., following a short stay at the Linn Community Nursing Home. A funeral service washeld at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 12 at Immanuel Lutheran Church west of Linn.  The family received friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time.  Rev. Richard Rikli officiated.  Amanda Beikmann  played the organ while the congregation sang “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”, “What God Ordained” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”.  Mandy Griffin and Chris Helms sang “How Great Thou Art”. The pallbearers were Andy Wise, Michael Helms, Chris Blazen, Dave Flaherty, Tony Griffin and Chris Helms. Burial was in the church cemetery. Lavera was born August 17, 1923, near Kimeo, Kan., daughter of Harry and Pauline (Blanken) Stuenkel.  On August 25, 1923, she was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church near Palmer, Kan., by Rev. J.B. Keller.  On March 21, 1937, she was confirmed there by Rev. Wm. Miessler.  Her confirmation verse was Psalms 26:6-8.  She attended St. John’s Lutheran School during her childhood. On August 17, 1947, Lavera was married to the love of her life, Raymond Helms, at St. John’s Lutheran Church by Rev. George Ledenbauer.  They were blessed with two sons and a daughter, John, Wayne and Jane. Together, Lavera and Raymond lived west of Linn where they worked side by side on their farm.  She was also a full-time homemaker who dearly loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She did volunteer work for many years both at the Linn Community Nursing Home and as a member of a group of ladies that did quilting for people and charities.  She loved gardening and her flowers.  Lavera was known for the great joy she took from getting together with her friends and playing cards.  She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, in 1982; and five siblings, Marvin Stuenkel, Sylvia Stuenkel, Cecelia Dahm, Velma Braun and Ruth Mueller. Survivors include two sons, John (Julie) Helms, Topeka, Kan., and Wayne (Bobbi) Helms, Anchorage, Alaska; one daughter, Jane (Gary) Wise, Topeka; sister, Lula Stuenkel, Linn; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Linn Community Nursing Home.  Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lavera L. Helms, please visit our flower store.