Frances Helmer
Frances V. Helmer, 81, Marion, died Dec. 13, 2002, at Via Christi-St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at Marion Christian Church.
Born Dec. 15, 1920, at Marion, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Blanche (Roberts) Kelsey. One of eight children in her family, she grew up and attended schools in Marion.
On her 18th birthday, Dec. 15, 1938, she was married to Dan Helmer. The couple had two children, Laird and Kay. They were married nearly 64 years, living in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Dan was employed in the oilfield business.
He retired in 1980 and they returned to Marion where they enjoyed being with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son Laird; granddaughter Shelly Helmer; two brothers, Don and Wayne Kelsey; and one sister, Earline Allen.
Survivors include her husband, of the home; daughter Kay Stice and her husband Raymond of Tulsa; daughter-in-law Carolyn Helmer of Pawhuska, Okla.; two brothers, Forrest Kelsey of Marion and Keith Kelsey of Prescott, Ariz.; two sisters, Treva Kerbs and Lois Raleigh both of Marion; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
She was a member of Marion Christian Church and Marion VFW Auxiliary.
Kevin Fruechting was the vocalist and Donna Hayen, organist. Pastor Ron Long officiated. Casket bearers were Bud Kelsey, Gerald Kelsey, Max Hayen, John Kline, Randy Kelsey, and Bob Raleigh.
A memorial fund has been established at the church. Burial was in Marion Cemetery.
