Mary Helms

Mary L. Helms, 60, of Linn, died Nov. 11, 2020, at the Washington County Hospital.

She was born Nov. 20, 1959, in Washington to Lawrence and Wilda (Blanken) Helms. She was baptized on Dec. 6, 1959, at Immanuel Lutheran by Rev. John Kovac. She was confirmed on April 15, 1973, by Rev Robert Hoehner. In 1977 she graduated from Linn High School.

She worked as a CNA and helped with other various duties at the Linn Community Nursing Home for more than 40 years.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and later Zion Lutheran Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents; and sister, Lora J. Guffey.

Survivors include brothers, Robert (Kim) Helms, of Linn, Rodney Helms, of Washington; sisters Linda (Dallas) Beikmann, of Washington, Lorene (Larry) Reith, of Linn, Leanne (Dave) Weems, Marlene (Jim) Shellenberger and Leila Schuh, all of Topeka.

A private family funeral was Nov. 14 at Immanuel Lutheran Church west of Linn. Rev. Richard Rikli officiated. Amanda Beikmann was organist and hymns selections were “The Lord is My Shepherd,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.”

Pallbearers were Dakota Sorensen, Brian Shellenberger, Kody Helms, Damian Helms, Brad Schuh, David Beikmann, Dan Reith and Jason Bainbridge. Honorary pallbearers were Chey Helms, Kealey Helms, Aaron Reith, Kevin Reith, Brent Reith, Jeff Schuh, Kent Schuh, Val Beikmann, Renae Lebo, Ashley Helms, Jeremy Helms, Nick Helms, Mariah Junek, Sara Robertson, Christy Sorensen and Matthew Weems.

Burial was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home.

Washington County News • Nov. 19, 2020