Marian L. Helmer
Marian L. Helmer, 84, of
Newton, died Friday (June 2, 2006) at Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita
following a brief illness. She was born Oct. 14, 1921, to Effie G. Lane and
Edward F. Smith in Jackson, Mich. She was a graduate of Jackson High School and
Jackson Community College. She married Ben F. Helmer of Jackson Aug. 2, 1944.
In 1953, when her husband decided to study for ordination as an Episcopal
priest, Marian moved with him to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where they
lived in Negaunee, Escanaba, Munising and Little Lake. In 1983, he accepted a
call to be rector of St. Matthew's in Newton.
Marian lived in Newton longer
than any other place during her life. She was an active member of St. Matthew's
in Newton where she served on the vestry and as a lector. She also belonged to
the Newton Roundtable Club, was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and was a
volunteer with the St. Matthew's Payee Program assisting developmentally
disabled adults. She delivered Meals-On-Wheels for several years and was at one
time treasurer of the Newton Area Girl Scouts of America. Marian was employed
for several years at PrairieView Inc. in Newton.
Marian's life was focused on
her faith and love of nature typified by her request to have her Book of Common
Prayer and her bird book beside her.
Survivors include: children,
Ben (Jane) of Chillicothe, Mo., John (Linda) of McPherson and Ann (Mark)
Neumeier of Saginaw, Mich.; grandsons, Richard, Steven and Jacob; and a
great-grandson, Daniel.
Her husband preceded her in
death in 1985.
Family will greet friends
from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Newton.
Service will be 11 a.m.
Wednesday at the church.
Memorials have been
established with the church and Nature Conservancy, both in care of Broadway
Colonial Funeral Home.
